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Women's history blooms in pair of plays

I dare you to watch Sandra R. Hansen, actress-as-Amelia Bloomer (circa mid-1800s), and not feel the freedom she feels on stage at one particular moment.

She pulls off her outer skirt, then layers of petticoats and frilly crinolines. She twirls in exhilaration, wearing an ankle-length, pants-like undergarment covered by a shorter skirt.

"I have never been so free in my life!" she says, spirit soaring. "I could skip! I could run! I could climb mountains!"

Or feel the loathing that Hansen-as-escaped-slave-Harriet Jacobs voices toward the slave owner who made her his sexual property. Then joy, as she sees the bill of sale that gave her freedom. And finally, bewilderment.

"A human being sold in the free state of New York?" she says indignantly.

Such is the flavor of two one-woman plays written and performed by Hansen, of Holland, Mich., about the history and growth and power of women.

She'll bring her plays to Waukesha Monday and Tuesday in free performances - thanks to the effort of some local groups and individuals - as part of Women's History Month.
Read entire article at Laurel Walker at http://www.jsonline.com (Milwaukee)