Shelby Elliott-Layman who plays Eglè cries out to be with her love Neil Eli who plays Azor.
The two couldn't bare to be apart from one another as their long time care takers seperates them temporarily.
Tamara Alexander/The Lion's Roar

Anne-Liese Fox recently directed “The Dispute.” The original 18th century production by Pierre de Marivaux, was spun into a comedy about 1980’s splendor rock attire.

 The Vonnie Borden Theatre shows a multitude of plays of all genres.

On Nov. 15 to 18, “The Dispute” was presented for four nights in a row. Fox, director of the play described the different aspects of the play as well as the preparation for it.

“I chose the play because it’s a classical style, ridiculous comedy and a light, fun play,” said Fox. “I wanted to capture what I thought was funny and relevant 1980’s splendor rock. It demands a different type of acting style, a lot of improv. It’s fun to see the new things the actors come up with. Practice started off three days a week in the evenings, then it went to four days a week.”

Fox described the play as “a hilarious exploration of gender.” One of the actors described the practice for the play.

“It was different and very fun,” said Shelly Sneed, a junior communication major and one of the prince’s entourage. “I learned a lot of exercises that I’ll use for other plays. The most difficult part of practice was the dancing. I’m a dancer, but I’ve never danced for two months straight.”

Senior general studies major Angela Griffitt played the role of Hermianne. She described the production as containing a lot of 80’s entertainment, singing, dancing and a “thorough provoking dispute.”

Griffitt shared the amount of the university’s plays she has been in and how she felt acting the same play four days in a row would be.

“I love it because it’s different every night,” said Griffitt. “It’s a different crowd every night, so I like having different reactions. I have been in every play since I was a freshman, except for about three.”

Kayla Rochelle, senior general studies major with a concentration in theater design described one of the most challenging parts as the makeup designer.

“Backstage, the makeup looks ridiculous and onstage the makeup is normal,” said Rochelle. “The challenge is finding the right amount to where it’s not too much and not too little.”

Rochelle described the practice of putting on the actors’ makeup.

“I saw what I did and didn’t like, narrowed down the style and figured out what I do and don’t like,” said Rochelle.

Junior vocal music performance major Neal Eli played the role of Azor. He described his character in the play and how they related to each other.

“Azor is easily amused,” said Eli. “A huge kid. Always looking to have fun and loveable. Me and him are not the same at all.”

Assistant Director and Stage Manager Elisabeth Odom shared the progress she has seen in the actors since they have first practiced.

“There were a lot of new people and veterans,” said Odom. “Dr. Fox’s directing style is so different from others. The actors come out stronger in the end.”

Allison Contreras, a freshman criminal justice major shared what she enjoyed about the play.

“The way the actors interacted with the crowd,” said Contreras. “I would recommend it.”

Kacie Nijoka, a freshman English education major shared her thoughts towards the play.

“I loved it,” said Nijoka. “It reminded me of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ with how they were dressed.”

The Prince's entourage dances to the music during 'The Dispute' as it ends.
Before and during the play, they interacted with the crowd.
Tamara Alexander/The Lion's Roar

Justin Davis, who plays The Prince, introduces himself before 'The Dispute' began.
In the beginning of the play, his entourage danced in the background as he took the stage.
Tamara Alexander/The Lion's Roar

At the beginning of 'The Dispute,' The Prince and Angela Griffitt who plays his love Hermianne talks about the experiment they plan to have.
The conversation is about the experiment of who would be the first to be unfaithful to their love, men or women.
Tamara Alexander/The Lion's Roar