From Artisan's Son to Hamlet: The Life of August Schønemann, Comedy King of Norway

Despite an all too brief lifespan, Norwegian comedian August Schonemann (1891-25) reached a level of renown unheard of for comic performers in Norway at the time. Through his numerous appearances in revues, operettas, and other plays onstage, he arguably became the first comedy superstar of Norway, praised for his portrayals of characters as diverse as a reluctant lion trainer, Emperor Wilhelm II, the valet Passepartout from Around the World in 80 Days, and, eventually, even a parody on Ham...