Bertolt Brecht

Amidst a violent palace coup, Simon and Grusha share a hurried and formal betrothal. Simon prepares to leave for war while Grusha promises to remain faithful and wait for his return despite the uncertainty of the conflict.

As a violent coup erupts in the city, the Governor's Wife obsessively prioritizes her luxury wardrobe over her own safety and the welfare of her infant son. Her frantic demands and mistreatment of her servants create a chaotic atmosphere that ultimately leads to the abandonment of the child.

Lavrenti attempts to convince his sister Grusha to enter into a marriage of convenience with a dying peasant to provide legal legitimacy for the child she is protecting. Grusha reluctantly agrees to the arrangement for the sake of the child's safety, despite her commitment to another man.

Grusha, a young servant girl fleeing with an abandoned noble infant, attempts to buy milk from a cynical peasant. The scene highlights the harsh reality of war-torn poverty as the Old Man exploits Grusha's desperation, forcing her to pay an exorbitant price to keep the child alive.

Members of two collective farms meet with a government delegate to debate the ownership of a valley following the retreat of Nazi forces. The scene explores themes of heritage versus utility as the characters use humor, hospitality, and tradition to argue their claims to the land.

A supposedly dying peasant, Jussup, suddenly sits up and confronts his mother-in-law and guests who are celebrating his expected demise. He drives the wedding/funeral guests away in a rage, leaving his new 'wife' Grusha in a state of shock as the reality of her forced marriage changes instantly.

A cynical Corporal berates a subordinate for his lack of enthusiasm and perceived insubordination during their march. He delivers a crude, visceral speech defining the 'ideal' soldier as someone who finds sexual gratification in violence and total devotion to their superior.