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• Q&A with dance company director Gregory Hancock

Martin Casanova lifts Rachel Rutland Maryanovskaya as the dancers rehearse "Superhero," being staged today and Saturday. (Frank Espich / The Star)

Martin Casanova and other members of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre rehearse for "Superhero: the Story of a Man Called Jesus." Casanova, who originated the role in 2006, calls it one of his most difficult. (Frank Espich / The Star)

Through the years, Indianapolis choreographer Gregory Hancock has crafted at least a dozen pieces about faith.

These works are inspired by individuals, stories or rituals from various cultures. "Abu Al Az" is about Islam, "The Western Wall" about prayer in Jerusalem, and "Joan of Arc" about a prominent figure in Christianity.

This weekend, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will close its season by reviving a quintessentially Christian work, "Superhero: the Story of a Man Called Jesus."

Reprising the 2006 ballet gives Martin Casanova, who originated the title role, a chance to experience a second coming, so to speak.

"It's definitely one of the most difficult roles I've done with the company, emotionally and physically," Casanova said. "This and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.'."

When Casanova was cast in the title role of "Superhero," the 23-year-old Indianapolis native realized that, after years of Catholic school, the story would be thoroughly familiar -- and not just to him.

"It's a universal story," he said, "so I was very excited, and also a little nervous, more so than with other roles."

Although Jesus has often been depicted in films, Casanova is not aware of another modern, full-length ballet on the subject. He considers "Superhero" "groundbreaking."

Beyond that, Casanova said, the performance is physically demanding, because Jesus spends a lot of time on stage. It's also challenging to "read some emotions into the piece."

In "Superhero," Hancock focuses on Jesus' relationships with several key figures -- especially with his mother, Mary (danced by Heather King), and the duplicitous apostle Judas (Ogulcan Borova).

Although the Last Supper and other major episodes from late in Jesus' life are included in "Superhero," Casanova thinks the most compelling moments of the ballet are the simplest:

"Some of my favorite scenes emphasize the things that made him and the stories more human. He had a big responsibility on his shoulders, but as far as we know, he was also just a man."

Superhero: the Story of a Man Called Jesus

When: 8 p.m. August 15th and 16th.

Location: Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road.

Tickets: $25 adults, $20 students and seniors.

Info: (317) 216-5455, www.pikepac.org