Johannes Poulsen

Who was Johannes Poulsen?

Johannes Poulsen was a Danish actor and director. He debuted with the Dagmar Theatre in 1901. In 1909 he joined the Royal Theatre as an actor, and from 1917 was also a stage director. Memorable roles included Peer Gynt, Shylock, Henry VIII and the fool in Twelfth Night. Poulsen debuted on film in 1910 with Regia Art Films, and later starred in four films for Nordisk Film. He wrote the book "Gennem de fagre riger" which was published in 1916.

In 1919 Poulsen staged Adam Oehlenschläger's drama "Aladdin" with music to be composed by Carl Nielsen. After accepting the contract, Nielsen found that Poulsen was making the orchestra play under the huge staircase in the center of the scenery and using the orchestra pit in the set. When Poulsen cut out large parts of the music during final rehearsals and changed the sequence of dances, Nielsen demanded that his name be removed from the poster and the program.

Poulsen remained with the Royal theater until 1927. From 1928 to 1930 he gave guest appearances in several European capitals, before returning the Royal Theatre where he remained until his death, performing for the last time as Christian IV in "Elf Hill" on 31 May 1938.