Hania, a student of theater at the University in Warsaw meets Janek a technology student at the theatrical premiere of Dziady (Forefathers’ Eve) by Adam Mickiewicz. While the play is a literary expression of a nation's suffering in captivity and the struggle against an invader, the carefree and young couple is completely uninterested in politics. Unfortunately politics starts influencing their lives. The persecution of citizens of Jewish origin is gaining strength. Hania's father, an renowned doctor, and her mother both lose their jobs as part of the anti-Semitic purge. With no money and no prospects for the future, Hania's family decides to emigrate. But Hania does not want to leave her beloved Janek, and her sense of identity has been shaped by Polish culture and tradition. The circle of history speeds up and in March 1968, students in Warsaw protest in defense of Dziady, which has been removed from the stage due to censorship. The protests culminate in a rally at the university. Hania and Janek take part in it, paying a very high price.