Synopsis

Act 1

Scene One
At the factory, the working day starts off with a physical drill session. One of the workers, Dimka, is preoccupied with his break-up with Mariya. The workers, preparing to put a new shop into production, check the machines. They are followed by the Factory Director, Chief Engineer and bureaucrat, Kozelkov who carry out a final inspection. The cleaners make sure the shop is spick and span. The ribbon is cut – the shop goes into action. Dimka leaves his work-place and has a bite to eat. Shock-worker Van reports this to management. Dimka is sacked and an indignant Mariya takes his place.

Scene Two
An upset Dimka joins fellow drunks Manka Fart, Ivan Corkscrew, Fyodor Beer, Ficus and Patchouli at the boozer. Kozelkov, one of the men who sacked him, arrives with some lady-friends, infuriating Dimka. Mariya enters next, approacing Dimka awkwardly; he is rude to her. Yan then comes running in, intending to ridicule Dimka for his sacking, but, much to Dimka’s delight, ends up on the floor.

That evening, Dimka has an idea: if he inserts a bolt into one of the factory machines, work at the hateful shop will be brought to a halt. He takes Ivashka, a homeless child, along to help him accomplish his task. The boozer regulars approve of his scheme.

Act 2

Scene Three
As workers head home, Dimka and Ivashka creep up to the factory gates where they are intercepted by Yan. There is a short circuit and Dimka summons the guards and accuses Yan of sabotaging the machine. Mariya rushes in as Yan is arrested. Ivashka, feeling guilty, tells the guards the truth; Dimka is led away. Mariya and Yan vow to make a real man of Ivashka.

Scene Four
Ivashka, in the throes of a dream, imagines himself saving the Red Army Fleet from a diver-saboteur.