CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE TRUST
SIR,—Twenty-four years ago Maynard Keynes built a theatre at Cambridge at his own expense and soon after presented it in trust to the university and city. With next to no financial aid the trustees have carried on his declared intention of making available to a large theatre-less region of England the five arts of drama, opera, ballet, music and film; securing West End productions when feasible; welcoming visits from international touring companies and from various repertory companies; sponsoring special trust productions for presentation in Cambridge and else- where; arranging symphony concerts, chamber music and poetry and music recitals; providing training, ex- perience and opportunity from time to time for the best amateur talent and promise, in acting, direction, music, design and stage management. The success of the cinema, which the trust also runs, has kept the theatre barely solvent. But rising costs and the
impact of television compel the trustees to apPeal for a capital endowment fund of £75,000 if standards are to be maintained and activities extended. The provincial theatre today is in a precarious state and there have been many casualties. We appeal on behalf of the Cambridge Trust not only to those who may wish to show their admiration and gratitude for Keynes's service at the Treasury and Bretton Woods during the war; not only to the countless friends and lovers of Cambridge through' out the world; but also to those who believe in the value of the living theatre as a cultural asset to be cherished more devotedly and generously in an age of rapid scientific and technical expansion.
Donations should be sent to the Chairman, Cam- bridge Arts Theatre Trust. Forms of covenant are available on request.—Yours faithfully, GEORGE RYLANDS, Chairman 1 Trustets WALLACE COLE, Mayor of Cambridge NOEL ANNAN, Provost of King's College
SYBIL THORNDIKE NINETTE DE VALOIS MARGOT FONTEYN DE ARIAS ADRIAN
R. A. BUTLER
C. P. SNOW ROY HARROD PETER HALL
PO Box 17, Canthridge
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