Did God create man or did man create God? No Refund Theatre tackles this conundrum in its production of “Inherit the Wind” to be presented Thursday at 9 p.m. and Friday at 8 p.m. in 111 Forum.

The show explains the curious, but fictitious, case of Bertram Cates vs. State. Cates, played by Chad Poz, is a teacher in rural Tennesse on trial for violating the Butler Act — a state law that prevents public school teachers from lecturing on evolutionism instead of creationism. The case, which gained national media attention, focuses on the dialogue between two of the country’s leading lawyers, Matthew Harrison Brady (John Klostik) and Henry Drummond (Jakob Goebel) as they battle it out over the ideas of creationism and evolutionism.

Since the play takes place in the 1920s, director Amanda Rees struggled to help her cast get into character.

“I tried to put things in perspective, to relate the plot to things they’d understand in today’s world,” Rees said. “I wanted them to think about it in more of a modern sense.”

The size of the cast was also a challenge. Most NRT productions feature a cast of fewer than 10 actors, but the “Inherit the Wind” cast is made up of a staggering 25 individuals. Despite this challenge, Rees managed to pull the production off without a hitch. “Inherit the Wind” is a charming mix of humor and heartbreak. It pulls on the heart-strings, but also makes you question your own fundamental belief system.

“The thing I like best about the play is the message,” Rees said. “It’s not just about evolution or creationism; it’s about being different and thinking differently.”

Defending the word of the scripture.

A man who really likes his food.

“Read Your Bible”

A God-fearing people.

“Mighty pleased to have you in town with us, Mr. Brady.”