By popular demand from participants and admirers of expressive reading, our space hosted the second masterclass by Ivan Kokorin — a person who can not only read a text but transform even familiar lines into a small theatrical event. It might seem like just a repeated workshop, yet this time the atmosphere was even richer and the energy noticeably brighter.

This time, Ivan chose to work with lines from “By the Lukomorye” — a text everyone remembers from school. But that was precisely the point: to show how familiar, seemingly worn-out words can sound fresh, deep, and even intriguing.

What was especially pleasant is that the masterclass attracted not only those who had already enjoyed the first meeting, but also their friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Some came “to pass on the impressions,” others — “to see it with their own eyes,” and some simply because they had heard: “This is really worth witnessing.” And according to many, their expectations were fully met.

Step by step, Ivan demonstrated how the audience’s perception changes when accents are placed correctly, the pace is slightly slowed, or an important thought is highlighted with a glance or a pause. He revealed the invisible levers of influence that make the audience stop merely listening and start engaging — anticipating, guessing, waiting for what comes next.

He paid special attention to how one can “command the air” in the room — an art rarely discussed but crucial for turning dry reading into a vivid performance. A subtle tension before an important line, a light smile, a well-timed pause — and suddenly the audience is leaning forward, afraid to miss the next nuance.

Participants noted that Ivan’s lessons are not only about the technique of reading. They are about interacting with people, sensing the mood of the room, predicting listeners’ reactions. Most importantly, they are about breathing new life into lines many know by heart but no longer perceive deeply.

The masterclass naturally flowed into the exhibition hall, where discussions continued, impressions were exchanged, and some even tried their own version of reciting the same “Lukomorye.” The conversation lasted longer than planned — no one was in a hurry to leave.

Judging by the reviews, photographs, and lively conversations after the event, one can confidently say: Ivan Kokorin is that rare kind of master people truly want to hear again and again. And his return became not just an event but confirmation that the art of expressive reading still inspires, unites, and opens new facets of familiar words.