Edinburgh Festival Fringe Review / From The North

Fringe 2026 – One Million Words

⭐⭐⭐⭐
18th August by Anne-Louise Fortune

One Million Words, a part of the São Paulo showcase at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, is a one-person show exploring some of the writings of Rainer Marie Rilke, an Austrian poet of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. 

Ivo Müller in One Million Words. Photo: Carol Gherardi

Ivo Müller opens with some moments of repetitive movement. It sets the tone for the whole show – words, phrases, ideas, movements are repeated and built upon to create a hypnotising rhythm from Rilke’s words. 

Müller then immediately breaks the fourth wall, breaking character to introduce themselves, and the show. This is a trend we’ve noticed at this year’s Fringe – with artists obliterating the artificial barrier between creative and audience, and giving a background to their work. In an era when work can seem to just appear on our stages, screen and social media accounts, this is an interesting development.

Textual intent affirmed, Müller returns to the show, and takes us through some of Rilke’s letters. The language, in translation from the original, is poetic and fluid. It speaks of love, and the love of art, and the love of making art. Rilke was predominantly a poet and playwright, but what comes through here is his appreciation for art in mediums other than the ones he was working in. It gave him an understanding of how art is constructed, and how different artists attempted to create meaning. 

Of course, it was useful for Rilke that he was present when many now great artists were developing their practice. It helped that he lived in a time when the arts were seen as a valid pursuit, although questions of class need to be interrogated to a greater extent than they are here. Rilke worked as Rodin’s secretary, a role which gave him access to the sculptor’s inner thoughts, as well as providing him a steady income to support his own creative growth. 

Müller’s performance is terrific. There’s a conversation in progress here, with Müller not just performing Rilke’s words, but structuring them to try to discover meaning. Melodic, lyrical, and poetic, for newcomers to Rilke this is a fascinating introduction. For aficionados, it’s an opportunity to bask in the beauty of Rilke’s words.

One Million Words continues in the Jack Dome at Pleasance Dome (Bristo Square), daily at 12:00 (12 noon) until August 31st (not 18th, not 25th)

 

 

Edinburgh Fringe Review / Exeunt Magazine

One Million Words – Pleasance Dome

By Natalia Riga

A soundscape of poems recited in multiple languages welcomes us to the auditorium. The show’s programme extends an invitation: we’re not to worry about understanding everything, but instead let the words flow into our souls. We, as audience, are an equal part of this experience. “You never know,” the programme says, “maybe one of these letters was written to you”.

The necessary introductions: Ivo Müller, as both himself and poet Rainer Maria Rilke, will guide us through the thoughts, fears and angsts of a solitary, restless, immigrant artist, struggling to find his place and self. One Million Words is part of the diverse São Paolo Showcase from Brazil. It’s devised from Rilke’s extensive correspondence and appeals to the poet in us, the lonely creative soul longing for connection in a brutal world.

The show is well crafted, utilising a variety of theatrical languages (including some delightful shadow puppetry) and achieving a great balance between sharpness, fullness, stillness and tenderness. Müller exists on stage with exceptional ease and makes sure we’re all included. It is no surprise to learn that Müller is a former school teacher; we feel safe and cared for in his hands, no one will be left behind – at least not for lack of him trying. (In the case of an audience member thirstily scrolling on her phone during the show, his gentle but firm effort to draw her back into the room was commendable.)

The lack of conventional narrative doesn’t feel like a disadvantage. Instead, each piece of text is approached as an étude, a little composition building on from the previous one, an opportunity for the material to instigate an emotional and existential exploration.

The show is at its strongest when he allows the words to come out in his most playful, honest and direct way – usually not as the character Rilke, but as himself, exposed and unguarded. It’s when the revelations are true to him that the words of Rilke come to life. And if there is one thing missed, it is to be let more in on Müller’s connection to Rilke beyond the show’s introduction. I longed to know why these words are important to him. In the scene where he is “learning to see” (one of Rilke’s most important moments of clarity), I longed to know what Müller saw! But perhaps a certain level of ambiguity leaves Rilke’s still relevant words more open to our own imaginations.

There is also something beautiful and meta about this show being performed in the largest theatre festival. It’s a wink; an acknowledgement of the often lonely path artists tread, a recognition of the hard work and a reminder of the essence of creation. Life (and art) is as difficult as it is profoundly beautiful. Müller doesn’t only embody Rilke on stage, but every single creative that is concurrently putting on a show at Fringe and beyond. We are all connected. As any good piece of art about loneliness does, this show succeeds in bringing us together.

One Million Words is on to 31 August

 

Audience Reviews / Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Thanks to all of you who took the time to write these audience reviews. 


Since the Fringe website deletes them once the festival is over, we copied ALL of them here, with names and dates.

“An honest and passionate performance by Ivo as he captivates us with his story and his connection with Rilke’s letters.
Rating: 4/5. Highly recommended.”

Macew
Audience member
26 Aug 2026

“It’s quite a pure show. The actor is the vehicle through whom the words spill out. I am a fan of Rilke’s writing and almost wish the show was even more stoic — not that I want a live audio book, but I thought there was power in such commitments to the words themselves, and in how the actor positions himself in relation to the poet.”

Cashmere S
Audience member
26 Aug 2026

“I thoroughly enjoyed this show — if you love language, questions about translation and identity, you will love it too. Ivo Mueller is so fully engaged in both roles (himself as actor/performer and Rilke as character) that the (fraction of) million words reaching the audience is immensely stimulating.
I loved the use of the stage and few simple props (including the shadow play) and the transitions between acting and narrating, the more distant poet and the very present actor.
If you are familiar with Rilke or other German writers of the time, you may find yourself like me ‘back-translating’ phrases and even whole sentences into German as Mueller takes a literal approach to translation which further enhances the links between identity and language.”

Kerstin
Audience member
23 Aug 2026

 

“I appreciate the minimalist style of the show and how it stays true to the original letters written by Rilke. I also enjoyed the latter half of the show, when there was more movement and interaction.
Perhaps, both as an audience member and as a reader of Rilke, I was expecting more. I was particularly interested in the actor’s personal experience — how it mirrored or intersected with Rilke and his philosophy, and what it is like to use a second language to create and express oneself. I wanted to see more of how Ivo expresses himself through Rilke. It was there, and I only wished to see more of it.”

Anonymous
Audience member
23 Aug 2026

“There were only few of us in for the performance on Sunday morning, but this just added to the sense of intimacy and immediacy of the communication. You knew that it made no difference to Muller — he could have been playing to one person or a thousand; his utter commitment to the task and immersion in the role was so complete that you felt he was addressing you alone.
He became a conduit for the language of the poet. And what language! Through Muller’s focus and precise articulation, it broke over you in waves and demanded your total concentration. I was wrung out by the end — an emotional wreck.
Ivo Muller is a fantastic actor, and this is a remarkable, wonderful piece of theatre.”

Jonathan Herbert
Audience member
19 Aug 2026

“Not what I expected. Performed well.”

Julie Phillips
Audience member
18 Aug 2026

“A Million Words” — an unmissable, profound show; a sensitive, thought-provoking monologue. I highly recommend it.
Nothing but gratitude.
Congratulations to São Paulo Showcase; all the productions are excellent.
It exceeded all expectations. Congratulations to Ivo, the entire production team, and everyone involved. Long live such a beautiful show.”

Márcia Valéria Morelli
Audience member
17 Aug 2026

“It was very touching to see Rilke’s words on stage with such a great actor, who turns real each sentence of these wonderful letters. For those of you who are seeking great text, acting and getting in touch with the deep sense of art within your souls, I highly recommend One Million Words.”

Julian
Audience member
17 Aug 2026

“A brilliant and touching show for people seeking answers inside. A monologue yet opens up conversations with different voices within and outside oneself. From my point of view, the use of a second language as the medium of play by Ivo adds up another layer of navigating the whole process of understanding life for the poet and for the audience from different cultures.
The script holds wisdom and sincerity, hovering in my mind when the new line hits right after another, leaving great impact as one ponder and feel the show. Absolutely enjoyed the front row experience and it’s definitely one of the shows I would like to revisit whenever possible.”

Qingyang
Audience member
15 Aug 2026

“Rilke is an oracle to any artist — and really to any sensitive soul — and Ivo acts as a beautiful medium between his wise words and us. Highly recommended to all, but especially to other Fringe performers in need of inspiration during the crazy roller-coaster that is this festival.”

Bruna Longo
Audience member
15 Aug 2026

“This is the only show I watched twice at the Fringe this year. Great shows should evoke personal memories and generate thoughts of the audience, and One Million Words is one of them. The small venue setting in Jack Dome is perfect for this one-man show.

When Ivo looked me in the eye from the stage, I felt that he was not performing but talking to me directly as an elder mentor with his sincere heart, which was a unique experience. He made Rilke alive.”

Kate Jiang
Audience member
15 Aug 2026

“Based on Rilke’s letters to a young poet, written when Rilke himself was encountering a stagnant period in writing, this material, rich in itself for a dramatisation, becomes richer still as we learn that it has been instrumental in encouraging Müller’s own transformation from schoolteacher to dramatist/actor.
In the hour we have with Rilke/Müller we hear Rilke’s best known exhortations (among others, to live the question) but here, they are given a heartfelt context. The staging reflects the exhortations and dilemmas one faces to achieve them.
The stage is a minimalist circle of letters on the floor. There is also a white rose and a red apple suspended above a table and chairs. Other visual frames of reference appear to create a richly-layered hour.
Müller’s production and performance stand independently of an audience’s knowledge of Rilke, but One Million Words will encourage me to explore one of my favourite poets further. Did I say I loved it?

Robert
Audience member
13 Aug 2026

“Thought provoking and engaging. Thank you. I’m rushing now to buy some of Rilke’s writing.”

Kate H
Audience member
13 Aug 2026

“A bold, risk-taking, transgressive, one-of-a-kind show. So glad we saw this one. Rare Fringe gem!”

Anonymous
Audience member
10 Aug 2026

“This one-man play is more like a monologue than a cohesive story. Overall, it is quite enjoyable. I particularly like the philosophical thinking. It is a piece for the moment.”

Anonymous
Audience member
8 Aug 2026

“Great performance!
It was intense and incredible how he keeps the audience engaged on the monologue.
Wonderful!”

Camila Ismania Santos
Audience member
8 Aug 2026

“Amazing play!! Great talented actor!!”

Guilherme De Rosso
Audience member
8 Aug 2026

“An incredible performance by Ivo Muller bringing Rilke’s words to life in a way that has relevance 100 years after his death. You’re encouraged to drift off but also to relate to the words which resonate with you. Ivo engages with individual members of the audience by addressing them directly but also brings in additional elements such as movement and puppetry to keep you focused on his performance.”

Anonymous
Audience member
7 Aug 2026

Star reviews at the Fringe.

Our sky is full of ⭐️ and we are thankful and looking forward to where this will take us. Right now, we have six more performances to tell this story and create these beautiful connections with our audiences here are the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 

What an experience! 
.
Nossas estrelinhas no Fringe.
Nosso céu está cheio de ⭐️ Estamos agradecidos, e também curiosos pra saber para onde vamos. Mas é hora de focar no presente, ainda temos mais 6 apresentações, pra contar essa história e criar mais conexão humana, como tem acontecido com nosso público nesse Festival Fringe de Edimburgo. 

Que experiência! 
.
#rilke#onemillionwords#mixitup#fringe