Set against the backdrop of the October Revolution and Russian Civil War, the story begins during a performance of The Sleeping Beauty at a theater, where Bolsheviks Rebrov and Georgy distribute revolutionary leaflets with the help of costumer Vera and a cleaner.

When news arrives that White Army forces have breached the defenses, the attendees leave the theater to join the fight.

After the Whites seize the city, they stage an opera at the theater while simultaneously using it as a site for trials and executions of Bolsheviks.

Vera, seizing his revolutionary leaflets, rallies the partisans to support the Red Army under Rebrov's leadership.

After the session, The Sleeping Beauty is performed again, but this time, young audience members protest, demanding revolutionary art that reflects their new era.