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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

  • …
  • What’s On
  • 2026
  • Lose to Win
Lose to Win
  • Theatre

leplosetowin26 Lose to Win QPAC Theatre Lose to Win A Belvoir St Theatre production

24 - 27 Jun 2026
Cremorne Theatre
  • Join us at Storytelling for Healing, a panel discussion inspired by Lose to Win. Find out more about the event here. 

Buy Tickets
$59 *
* A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.
1 hour 10 minutes
no interval, subject to change without notice

Overview

“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 our stage, 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.

  • ★★★★
    It’s that big smile again. He can say something difficult with a grin and we smile back.
    Sydney Arts Guide
  • Not a soul is born without a backstory, but few are as gripping as Mandela Mathia’s.
    Sydney Morning Herald
  • Mandela Mathia has an extraordinary stage presence – warm and generous spirited.
    Theatre Reds
  • The solo performance format can place weighty demands on an actor, but Mandela Mathia breezily rises to the challenge, telling his arresting life story with warmth, charm and humour.
    South Sydney Herald

Important Information

Age Recommendation

Recommended for ages 15+.

Warning

This production contains references to death and violence, the use of strobe lighting, haze and loud sounds.

Cremorne Theatre Visual and Sensory Guide

The Cremorne Theatre Visual and Sensory Guide [PDF, 2 MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

Official ticketing service for QPAC

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Four Ticket Offer

Great discounts available for groups of 4+.

Must purchase 4 or more tickets in one transaction and select ‘4+ Tickets’ in your basket from the drop-down option. Only available on select reserves, performances and standard pricing.

Great discounts available for groups of 4+.

Must purchase 4 or more tickets in one transaction and select ‘4+ Tickets’ in your basket from the drop-down option. Only available on select reserves, performances and standard pricing.

Make a group booking

Great discounts available for school groups 10+. 
$35 per student 
1 teacher free per 10 students

Make a school booking

Education Notes

Suitability: Years 10 to 12

This resource pack for teachers has been designed to support year 10-12 teachers and students to build on the experience of seeing Lose to Win.

View resources

Gallery

  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman
  • Photo credit: Brett Boardman

Cast

  • Performer Mandela Mathia
  • Musician Yacou Mbaye

Creatives

  • Writer Mandela Mathia
  • Director Jessica Arthur
  • Set & Costume Designer Keerthi Subramanyam
  • Sound Designer & Composer Brendan Boney
  • Lighting Designer Kate Baldwin

QPAC Creative Learning Program

QPAC is proud to be launching a brand‑new Creative Learning Program program in 2026. Here is a sneak peek of what’s on offer in Semester One.

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