It’s all about context.

This is the central theme behind Life x 3, a play currently run by Charleston Community Theatre at the Tarble Arts Center.

The play, written by Jasmina Reza, focuses on four adults, Sonia, Henry, Inez and Hubert, shown in three separate scenes.

While the dialogue is similar between each act, the outcome of each situation is different.

Actor Terry Davis, who played the character of Hubert, said these resemblances between acts often made it difficult to keep track of which way he was supposed to be performing his character.

“It’s a difficult show to memorize because of the similarities,” he said. “The tough thing is to make each character distinct.”

Kathy Davis, who played the role of Inez, said she also found it difficult to remember which part to play.

“It was confusing because the characters were so similar,” she said. “I always had to remember which tone I should be using for each character.”

Tim Mason, an economics professor at Eastern, played the role of Henry, whose actions drastically change between each act, said the only way to remember each character’s persona correctly is to continuously prepare.

“You had to rehearse it so much that you get the show down,” he said. “It’s all in the practice.”

Gail Mason, a retired Eastern communication studies professor and director of Life x 3, said the group has been rehearsing since the beginning of September.

However, Manson said rehearsing was not always easy.

“It’s not a simple play; it’s complex,” she said. “I like that the characters faced challenges and consequences given the same situation, leading to different endings.”

As a director, Manson said she enjoyed the cohesive bond formed between the actors as the play practices progressed.

“They grew into the characters and it was fun to see that growth,” she said.

Davis, who has been through seven productions with CCT, said through acting with his cast mates, he saw a bond strengthen between the four

“There’s a bond with most people who act,” he said. “There’s a kinship that develops. Acting exposes your soul if you do it right.”

Life x 3 will continue to run from Nov. 3 to 5 at the Tarble Arts Center.

Sara Hall can be reached at 581-2812 or smhall3@eiu.edu.