It was written in 1937–1938 to a libretto by Ivan Kocherga [uk] and Maksym Rylsky.

The main hero, Mykola Shchors, was a military figure originally from Zhytomyr Oblast.

The libretto was written by Ivan Kocherga [ru] and Maksym Rylsky.

The main hero is Mykola Shchors, a military figure originally from the Ukrainian city of Snovsk, who took an active part in the Ukrainian–Soviet War on the side of the Soviet Red Army, and who died in battle against the troops of the Ukrainian Galician Army.

[2] The opera was first staged at the Kyiv Opera House on 1 September 1938, conducted by Vladimir Dranishnikov,[3][4] and remained in the repertoire of the house.