A MsSiah was written in the mid-1980s and reflects those times. I’d already written, and had performed, a few stage plays,
but they were dialect driven comedies set in Scotland. This was written as an exercise only, to prove to myself that I could
write something more weighty and was never intended for production. Somehow the director Lillian Cattigan got a hold of
the script and called me to ask permission to produce it. I agreed, though I didn’t know if it would do anything for my
reputation. In any case it was performed as a joint production by Strathclyde Theatre Group and Roughcast Music Theatre
at Strathclyde University’s Ramshorn Theatre in Glasgow with a totally female cast of 14, a female crew and director. They
even threw me out of the rehearsals! Just to confirm for those who are confused by my name, I am male. The reviews said
"There is good writing here" - Glasgow Herald and "Mattu certainly does not shirk big issues"- The Scotsman. Despite
ostensibly being a feminist play my original intent was only to play about with the Christ mythos, so maybe from that point
of view it was a failure, though I’d still claim it was the best piece of pure dramatic writing I’ve ever done. If anybody
fancies reviving it please contact my agent, Mike Sharland at
The Sharland Organisation
Or visit his website by clicking HERE Martha - An air stewardess
Tammy - A business executive
