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Perda (Bolek Polivka) is a member of a theatrical company in the provinces. Usually he plays only small parts, though he has had ambitions of playing featured roles. When he eventually does get his longed-for promotion, he is so petrified by the responsibility, and so preoccupied with stuff that has nothing to do with performing that he cannot do his part, and walks off the stage. Surprisingly, he is not fired for this, but is simply given a bit part, which he fluffs, and is then given the offstage responsibility of being stage manager, responsible for everyone's entrances, scene changes and so on. He even screws this up, but his efforts this time have had the effect of transforming what was an unsucessful drama into a popular comedy.