You won’t find local playwright Ben Jolivet’s version of the Old Testament story of Cain and Abel in the Bible. He brings his play to Providence’s Wilbury Group, following a staged reading last year.

Jolivet has taken “poetic license” with the Bible story, tweaking the tale quite a bit to make his points about faith, sacrifice, love, reconciliation and an omnipotent God. Director Susie Schutt has created a sandbox to represent their home outside the Garden of Eden.

The brothers are mourning the death of their father while trying to cope with their place in the world and the existence of a loving, caring God. Just as Eve was lured by the apple, the brothers are lured by sexual desire, as love (or I should say lust) tears them apart.

Jeff Hodge makes a conflicted, disturbed Cain, lured by his brother’s wife, Lilith (Melissa Penick), and Mariah (Erika Rethorn) and influenced by The Traveler (Roger Lemelin). Tobias Wilson plays Abel with a vengeance, highly emotional and quick to reach a level of rage.

Seduction of the body and the mind play a major role in the sometimes tawdry tale, which unlike the Bible version carries an R rating. The play needs a little editing, as the first act drags at times. The acting by the cast of five is excellent.

Audience members are sure to take away different interpretations of the other characters.

Is The Traveler really a confused, frustrated God who has returned to earth to make things right, but doesn’t know how?

And what about Mariah. Is she a snake? Did she really say “What about them apples?”

“Cain + Abel” has potential. For certain, it will make you think. Some may even find it sacrilegious. It will be at Wilbury, 393 Broad St. in Providence, through November 1. Call 400-7100 for tickets.