The play finally received its première in a Danish-language production there two years later, which Ruth Berlau instigated. It opened on 4 November 1936 at the Riddersalen Theatre (a 220-seat venue), under the direction of Knutzon. Niels Bing played the Landlord, Lulu Ziegler (Knutzon's wife) played Nanna Callas, while Isbella was played by Astrid Schmahl. Svend Johansen designed the sets, based on ideas by the American designer Mordecai Gorelik. The critical response was mixed. Brecht was not upset by this — he remarked some years later that he had seen some people crying at the same scene that others were laughing at, "And I was satisfied with both." Brecht thought it was "one of his best productions" so far, while it provoked a storm of protest from local fascists. The production ran for 21 performances.