RILKE, ONE MILLION WORDs
Written, produced and performed by Ivo Müller; Directed by Arieta Correa
Torn Page at 435 W 22nd St at 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
January 3 - 25, 2025
Photo Credit by Priscila Prade
I had a conversation with a friend about isolation and solitude. Then, I pulled a quote from a fancy jar at the top of the stairs in the townhouse of Rip Torn and Geraldine Page—now the Torn Page event space. As I read the words, Zelda the Cat brushed past my feet, her presence grounding me in the moment.
I caught my breath as I stepped into the drawing room - the playing space - littered with a million letters, a desk, two chairs, and a pair of red shoes. I settled onto a red velvet couch, cozy and curious. The space was intimate, the atmosphere immersive. What would the next 60 minutes hold for me?
Ivo Müller walked into the room—the playing space—and sat at the table, his frustration palpable as he described the noises of the world beyond his window. He yearned for silence.
Breaking the fourth wall, Müller began to address the audience, introducing the man at the table: Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926), an Austrian poet and novelist whose work I do not know.
Through his monologue, Müller shared the inspiration behind his solo show—the discovery of Letters to a Young Poet at his local library. He recounted the correspondence between Rilke and a young poet, Franz Xaver Kappus, who had asked Rilke to review his work. Rather than critique the poetry, Rilke offered mentorship on the art of being a poet: look within, feel all emotions, experience everything, and write. These letters, written between 1903 and 1908, are a timeless guide for artists and dreamers, emphasizing the importance of introspection and embracing life’s complexities to create meaningful art. It is why I do theatre.
This production is the culmination of a 15-year journey for Müller, who has spent more than a decade meticulously crafting and developing the piece. This US premiere exemplifies his dedication to Rilke’s legacy as well as his own artistic vision.
Müller’s transitions between himself and Rilke were fluid and descriptive, marked by the interweaving of light, shadow, and space. His connection with the audience was electric, as if he were speaking directly to each of us, weaving poetry into the air.
The prayers, the letters, the dreams, the memories—and then the silence—all intensified the experience. It was a masterful meditation on art, life, and the yearning for quiet in a chaotic world.
Click HERE for tickets.
Reviewed by Malini Singh McDonald.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on January 10th, 2025. All rights reserved.