Lose To Win
Written and Performed by Mandela Mathia
Directed by Jessica Arthur
Lose to Win, Mandela Mathia’s autobiographical solo show, shares his incredible journey from South Sudan to Australia. Through spoken word, song, and comedy, this heartfelt performance celebrates resilience, hope, and the power of self-acceptance.
Image credit: Emma Diaz
“Not a soul is born without a backstory, but few are as gripping as Mandela Mathia’s.”
ABOUT THE SHOW
An extraordinary journey from South Sudan to the Belvoir stage.
“In this country, you think it’s your right to have three meals a day. Me, where I came from? I think it’s a miracle.”
From South Sudan to Egypt to Belvoir St, this is the extraordinary journey of Mandela Mathia. Fleeing his war-torn home as a child, Mandela spent many years journeying, searching, and eventually finding his way to our stage. This is a joyful, poignant solo show, straight from the man who lived it.
A celebration of the South Sudanese community, of resilience, and the power of imagination, Lose To Win is an astonishing modern Australian story.
Banner image credit: Brett Boardman
Lose to Win is a solo autobiographical show told by the man who lived it himself, Mandela Mathia, and accompanied by an on-stage musician. Mandela narrates his experience of fleeing his war-torn home, South Sudan, to Sudan, to Egypt and eventually making his way to Australia. He talks of the loss of family, the gain of new relationships, and the challenges of navigating life in a foreign land. The scene is set and paced through the use of props, music, song and dance, taking audiences for a journey into Mandela's past. Expect to leave the theatre heartened by Mandela's zest of life, resilience in adversity, and a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience in modern Australia. An intimate storytelling by a generous storyteller, full of laughter, heart and warmth.
REVIEWS
“A distinctive new voice making a significant contribution to our Australian stories.”
– Australian Stage
"What makes Mandela’s tale entertaining and memorable is his big smile, his sense of humour and his easy honesty."
– Sydney Arts Guide
"I met Mandela in 2017 when he was in his final year of drama school. One day in rehearsal he walked up to me and asked, “in the future, will you make a play with me?” Jump forward to us emerging from lockdown four years later, we both had some time on our hands. Mandela and I would meet in our local park and he told me the story of his life, every single incredible detail. Mandela is generous in his invitation to the audience. He shares his story in a way that invites curiosity and empathy towards our deeper selves. Through the exploration of his journey, he urges our own questioning of what it means to belong to this country - to be Australian."
- Jessica Arthur, Director -
ABOUT BELVOIR ST THEATRE
"At Belvoir we gather the best theatre artists we can find, emerging and established, to realise an annual season of works – new Australian plays, Indigenous works, reimagined classics and new international writing. Belvoir tours nationally and internationally, and continues to create its own brand of rough magic for new generations of audiences. We are proud to be changing the conversation, continuing our commitment to deliver diverse stories to diverse audiences."
Production images by Brett Boardman
Ready to Tour
If you are interested in touring get in contact!
Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au
Arts on Tour is based in Redfern NSW and we respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded land on which we work.
As we tour artists and productions across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations Elders, past, present and future.
We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.