BELVOIR St Theatre, one of Australia’s most celebrated theatre companies, brings Mandela Mathia’s powerful autobiographical solo show Lose to Win to Frankston Arts Centre for one night only on Saturday 16 May, as part of the 2026 Season and the South Side Festival.
Blending spoken word, song and humour, Mathia (known for The Cherry Orchard) shares his extraordinary journey from South Sudan to Egypt, and ultimately to Australia. Forced to flee his war-torn home as a child, he spent years searching for safety, identity and belonging—before discovering a passion for performance. The result is a deeply personal and uplifting work that speaks to resilience, hope and the human spirit.
“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,” Mathia reflects, grounding the story in lived experience. His performance is both joyful and poignant, offering audiences a rare insight into a life shaped by hardship, perseverance and imagination.
“This show explores my life from birth to Australia,” Mathia said. “It’s about self-acceptance, perseverance, and inspiring people to reinvent themselves and find light at the end of the tunnel.”
Directed by Jessica Arthur (The Wolves), Lose to Win transforms one man’s story into an intimate theatrical experience. Belvoir Artistic Director Eamon Flack describes Mathia as a captivating performer whose warmth and depth shine on stage, creating theatre that is both charming and remarkable.
A celebration of the South Sudanese community and the power of storytelling, Lose to Win is a moving and unforgettable modern Australian story.
Lose to Win plays at Frankston Arts Centre on Saturday 16 May at 8pm. Tickets are available at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060.
First published in the Mornington News – 31 March 2026
