Rilke – One Million Words

Rilke – One Million Words is a solo show by Ivo Müller, inspired by the works of poet Rainer Maria Rilke.

Originally developed in Brazil, the show had its U.S. premiere in January 2025 at Torn Page in New York. In 2026, it will tour in celebration of Rainer Maria Rilke’s centennial (1875–1926).

Rilke - One Million Words connects an actor in the present with a poet from the past. It tells the story of a writer who, for nearly a year, struggles to create poetry and can only express himself through letters. An actor uses these letters to navigate his own challenges in a place where even his name feels foreign, shaking the foundations of his identity. Together, the poet and the actor explore themes of love, the creative process, and a sense of not belonging, highlighting the importance of being grounded in the present moment, topics that resonate deeply in today's world.