The play depicts the drama of two sisters, Aglaia and Zenovia, who walled up their sons — Radu and Alexandru — to save them from the front during the First World War. A visit from a general triggers a confrontation over sacrifice, cowardice, love of country and a mother’s love, and the finale depicts irreversible choices: Radu leaves for the front, Alexandru hides in the forest, Zenovia becomes a nun, and Aglaia takes her own life.