QPAC

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.

Make a booking

$35

1 hour 10 minutes

no interval, subject to change without notice

“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.

Curriculum Links

General Senior Syllabi English, English as an Additional Language or Dialect, Essential English (Applied Senior Subject) Drama, The Arts V9.0 Drama

Learning Resources

Learning Resources - Lose To Win

Extend the Experience

The below activity for students is part of the Interdisciplinary Learning Program and is designed to extend the experience beyond the performance. Book it via the Creative Learning Enquiry form.

Panel: Storytelling for Healing

25 Jun 2026, 1pm | Cremorne Theatre

A panel discussion about the importance of storytelling in the healing journey for refugees.

> Find out more

Plan Your Visit

Years 10 to 12

This production contains references to death and violence specifically in the contexts of civil war and gangs as well as lived experiences of racism. It also includes the use of strobe lighting, haze and loud sounds.

Thu 25 Jun 2026, 11am
Thu 25 Jun 2026, 6:30pm
Fri 26 Jun 2026, 7pm
Sat 27 Jun 2026, 1pm (Auslan Interpreted)
Sat 27 Jun 2026, 7pm

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

Submit your school group booking request online or contact the Group Sales Team on (07) 3840 7466 or at groups@qpac.com.au from Monday to Friday during business hours.

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

★★★★

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