The battle of man’s law versus god’s law is the argument behind the Riverland Theatre Department’s next production, a modern adaptation of a classic Greek story.

In “Antigone,” Creon, King of Thebes, played by Shane May, threatens death to anyone who attempts to bury the body of Polynices, who was killed in a bloody siege.

Meanwhile, Antigone, his niece and the daughter of Oedipus, played by Jessica Beske, devises a plan to defy Creon’s orders and bury Polynices.

Riverland Theatre director Jerry Girton said “Antigone” is really about “what’s good and what’s evil.”

“We have these same arguments today,” he said.

A cast of 15 will perform in this production, which debuts Friday night in Frank W. Bridges Theatre.

The original “Antigone” may have been performed as early as 500 BC, Girton said. A modern version was resurrected by French playwright Jean Anouilh in the 1940s.

“It’s probably one of the most-performed Greek plays,” Girton said.

The director said the theater department usually performs a Shakespearean or other classic every other year.

“Shane and Jessica are very excellent actors, and the supporting cast is also very good,” Girton said. “You can expect 90 minutes of entertainment as well as thought-provoking ideas.”

“Antigone” plays on Sunday at 2 p.m., and Friday and Saturday and Feb. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10; Riverland students are free.