In 1639 the Madrid notary Juan Garcia de Albertos was appointed Escribano de la Comision de las comedias - official theatre notary. His annual registers of contracts (protocolos) contain more than two thousand items related to actors and theatrical activity from 1634 to 1660. This exceptionally rich collection of documents offers a fascinating overview of theatrical life, in all its diversity, in Madrid and the surrounding area during the age of Calderon. Especially plentiful are the contracts for performances at festivities in towns and villages, both by professional companies and by local...