The Folketeatret was founded in 1857, based on an initiative by actor and theatre director Hans Wilhelm Lange (1815-1873), who managed the theatre until his death. The theatre opened its doors to the public on 18 September 1857, and was created as a "people's theatre", which children were allowed to attend (unlike the
Royal Danish Theatre, where only those over 10 years were admitted).
Det Danske Teater Det Danske Teater (The Danish Theatre) was a touring theatre company that was established in 1963 when three other touring groups merged: ARTE, Andels Teatret and the Dansk Folkescene ("Danish People's Scene"). The new group was first led by Tudlik Johansen, who had led the Dansk Folkescene, who remained at the helm until 1969. The theatre reached a large family audience with musical productions based on
Astrid Lindgren's works, including
Ronja Røverdatter (1998),
Pippi (1999) and
The Brothers Lionheart (2001).
Site and buildings history The property in Nørregade belonged to
Hof- og Stadsretten judge
Hans Heger. He also operated a brewery on the site. He was the father of actor
Stephan Heger and
Hamma Rahbek. His property was listed in the new
cadastre of 1806 as No. 45 in the North Quarter. The present building in Nørregade (Nørregade 39) was built in 1822 for master joiner Johan Wilhelm Benthien. In 1830, No. 45 was divided into three separate properties. The portion that faced Nørregade was merged with part of neighboring No. 46 to form No. 45 A og 46 C (norregade 39). The portion of No. 45 that faced Nørre Voldgade on the other side of the block was divided into No. 45 B (now Nørre Voldgade 48 ) and No. 45 C. (now Nørre Voldgade 46).
The Hippodrome In 1846, No. 45 A & 46 C was merged with part of No. 47 as No. 45 A, 46 C og 47 B. in 1845-1846, the complex was converted into a
hippodrome by the architect
Hans Conrad Stilling. In 1949, Hippodrome played host to the "Hippodrome Meetings", which played a role in the events that led to the adoption of the
Constitution of Denmark. ==Today==