Berlin opera director Andrei Vishnevsky decides to put on a production of Don Giovanni. Vishnezsky wants to rethink conventions and innovative a new performance of this piece, but he encounters resistance in his provincial town, especially concerning the interpretation of the titular role. The production is further complicated by personal drama: Vera, the female vocalist playing Donna Anna, is in love with the married Vishnezky, who is also taken with Beate, the singer of the Donna Elvira role. The backstage drama unfolds as the actors and director prepare for the premiere.—Ulf Kjell Gür