Educational Media Reviews Online

One Drop of Love is a recording of the live theatrical performance of Fanshen Cox’s one-woman show. Though minimally staged - with a single chair, overhead projection, and a couple of props - Cox brings an entire cast of characters to vivid life through loving and artful impersonations.

The play opens, and is then interspersed, with the history of United States census reporting. By demonstrating directly on her audience, the way race has been assigned since the 18th century, we are immediately immersed in the plight of individuals who did not fit neatly into then-acceptable categories, and as a result, were often miscategorized or erased entirely. While maintaining an engaging pace, Cox jumps in and out of characters, across timelines and locations, conveying not only her own life experiences as a culturally mixed woman, but sharing the memories of, most notably, her father, brother, mother, and paternal grandmother as well.

She delivers frequently poignant and, in moments, heartbreaking subject matter. From her strained relationship with her father, to her difficulty feeling truly seen by a variety of cultures due to her complex heritage, to her pride and determination in “searching for racial answers” each of these topics are tackled with equal parts gentle humor and passion.

While this film focuses on the intergenerational narrative of Cox’s family alone, it nevertheless makes an essential contribution to discussions about multiethnic identities and is therefore recommended. Beyond diversity it also sheds a brief but educational spotlight on the exclusionary practices used by the United States to construe the earliest population statistics. Last but not least, it is a valuable film for any performing arts department seeking a masterful example of solo performance technique.

Awards:
Best Feature Documentary, Roxbury International Film Festival

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