1983, a boarding school in the German Democratic Republic. Elvi, abandoned by her parents, finds comfort in her relationship with her teacher, Thomas. But how can she care for her younger brother when all he wants is to run away? What will happen if her best friends illegal activities are discovered? And who are the mysterious figures that visit Thomas at night? With live music, shadow puppetry, raving punks and enigmatic figures lurking in every corner, Ideology and Hair Gel looks at what it is to be young and free where freedom isnt an option.