Jerusalem, 1st century AD. Jewish carpenter Shimon is enslaved to make crosses for the Roman army which his fellow Jews will be crucified on. When an injured young rebel seeks a safe hiding place in his workshop, Shimon's conscience and loyalties are called into question, as he must decide whether to protect his family and accept the hold that the Romans have over him, or stand-up and try to change his situation.

Set in Cyprus is the 1950s. It is the story of a poor man who dreams of owning a violin and becoming a fiddler. But life and love get in the way and force him to make a choice between his passion and his responsibilities.

In a fantastic quasi Georgian (18th century) world, a fanatical religious sect "The Holy Exaltation" have taken control.