East Berlin, 1956. Bertolt Brecht, revolutionary of the theater and poet of the state, looks back: his exploits as a teenager during the World War I; his romantic adventures during the twenties; the escape of the Nazi regime; the return from exile. The life of a timeless classic, a class fighter, an indefatigable free spirit, a committed artist.

Burghart Klaußneras Bertolt Brecht
Tom Schillingas Young Bertolt Brecht
Adele Neuhauseras Helene Weigel
Trine Dyrholmas Ruth Berlau
Lou Strengeras Young Helene Weigel
Bertolt Brechtas Himself (archive footage)
Petr Stachas Singer and hurdy gurdy
Helmut Zhuberas Latin teacher Dr. Gebhard
Mala Emdeas Paula Banholzer
Franz Hartwigas Young Caspar Neher