From Artisan’s Son to Hamlet

Despite an all too brief lifespan, Norwegian comedian August Schonemann (1891-1925) 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 Hamlet. A household name in the nation by the late 1910s, Schonemann starred in the first major Norwegian film comedy in 1922.In 1924, Schonemann signed a contract at the theater of Chat Noir, making him reportedly the highest-paid Norwegian actor at the time. Shortly thereafter, while at the pinnacle of his career, Schonemann’s life took an unexpected tragic turn, leading to his early death at only 33 years of age. He left behind a baby daughter who, with time, would become an esteemed comic performer in her own right.In addition to chronicling Schonemann’s stage career, the book From Artisan’s Son to Hamlet: The Life of August Schonemann, Comedy King of Norway provides detailed coverage of Schonemann’s only film effort, its production as well as reception history.The book offers more than 50 photographs and illustrations, several of which are from Schonemann’s personal collection.Originally written in Norwegian in 2018, this American edition includes updated and additional information.