CAMBRIDGE THIRD AGE LEARNING Out of the Stratford Archives With Ted McGee, University of Waterloo This talk explores recent discoveries in theatre archives at home and abroad. In British collections, we are finding new records of libellous songs ridiculing neighbours, parish customs that provoked violence, and costly tilts by poverty-stricken noblemen. Such performances change our sense of Shakespeare's plays and his times. The rich resources of the Stratford Festival Archives teach us about ourselves and our times-about social issues that inform shows, changing values reflected in textual alterations, policies and procedures that determine what information survives (and what doesn't), and technological changes with surprising theatrical results. About Cambridge Third Age Learning (CTAL) Cambridge Third Age Learning (CTAL) is a movement that encourages learning and discovery experiences for those in the 'third age'-the stage in one's life beyond full-time employment. By cultivating opportunities for discussion and engaging the expertise of local university professors and community professionals, CTAL supports those who have an intellectual curiosity and an interest in life-long learning. At Idea Exchange, our hope is to foster a self-organized group which would create CTAL programs throughout the year with our support as a venue and promotional vehicle.