At the beginning of the 19th century, the musician Pestana became famous in the halls of Rio de Janeiro with his popular songs. However, his greatest desire is to consecrate himself as a classical composer, which causes him inner conflicts.
An uninterrupted rehearsal of Chekhov's 'Uncle Vanya' plays out by a company of actors. The setting: their run-down theater with an unusable stage and crumbling ceiling. The play is shown act by act with the briefest of breaks to move props or for refreshments. The lack of costumes, real props and scenery is soon forgotten.