Based on Dostoyevsky's philosophical novel "The Brothers Karamazov'', the ballet was premiered in 1995 with great success. Set in 19th century modernizing Russia, Boris Eifman's ballet tells the story of three brothers with varying personalities, who live in a cursed family with their decadent father, who has no interest in his sons. The sensualist Dmitri, the intellectual Ivan, and the spiritual Aleksei, having moral struggles, constantly debate over the existence of God, freedom and morality. Hostility between father and his sons deepens, when Fyodor refuses to share his wealth with his family and employs his illegitimate son Pavel as his servant. Tension worsens with the bitter rivalry between father and son for the beautiful and unpredictable gypsy girl Grushenka's affection, and following a competition, it ends tragically.

Although Dostoyevsky was mostly influenced by religion and philosophy, "The Brothers Karamazov" was altered by personal tragedy.