Pittsburgh multi-disciplinary artist Frank Ferraro has fashioned a modern opera with a hopeful message.

"(gravity + grace)," making its world premiere Friday at the Hillman Center for Performing Arts, is a one-hour contemporary work that conveys through modern dance, skits, monologues and operatic vignettes some of the hardships faced by those with Parkinson's disease.

"We call it an opera because of the scale. There is a lot going on," Ferraro said.

The production's abstract narrative also sheds light on the range of emotions family members and friends cope with when a loved one is diagnosed with the illness.

Two actors play the production's four characters, and two dancers represent the effects of the disease.

Ferraro has been battling the symptoms of Parkinson's disease for nine years. His history with the disease and the stories he has heard from others living with disabilities were his inspirations for "(gravity + grace)."

The goal of the production is "to communicate hope to people who have Parkinson's disease and let them know that having the disease is not a death sentence," Ferraro said. "There is still a way to reinvent yourself through the arts."

"(gravity + grace)" features choreography by Point Park University alumna Jamie Erin Murphy. Stephen Pellegrino, a 35-year veteran of the theater, penned the musical scores and directed the production.

The production also includes a 17-piece orchestra and performances by Pittsburgh's Renaissance City Choir.

"(gravity + grace)" is made possible through the support of the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and a Heinz Endowments grant. Net proceeds from the production will be donated to the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania (www.pfwpa.org).