Belvoir St Theatre: Lose to Win

Next date: Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 08:00 PM to 09:10 PM

A celebration of the South Sudanese community, of resilience, and the power of imagination, Lose to Win is an astonishing modern Australian story by Belvoir St Theatre.

“Not a soul is born without a backstory, but few are as gripping as Mendela Mathia's." – Sydney Morning Herald

Event Description

"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-town 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.

Presented by: Frankston Arts Centre and Belvoir St Theatre as part of Season 2026 and the South Side Festival

Thanks to our 2026 Season Partners

Creative Team & Cast

CREATIVE TEAM:

Director - Jessica Arthur

Assistant Director – Mehhma Malhi

Set & Costume Designer - Keerthi Subramanyam

Sound Designer & Composer - Brendan Boney

Original Lighting Designer - Kate Baldwin

Technical Co-Ordinator - Joel Montgomery

Stage Manager - Christopher Starnawski

CAST:

Mandela Mathia Performer

Information for Schools

School Group tickets: $20 per student (1 teacher free per 10 students). To express interest in a school group booking, please contact Box Office on 9784 1060.

Suitable for: Students in Years 9-12

Victorian Curriculum links: English and Drama

A post-show Q & A will be offered for teachers and students to engage with the cast, creatives and crew by asking questions about the show.

Learning Resources are available to support deeper learning and engagement in the classroom. A printed copy of the Belvoir St script is available - please enquire for more details.

When

Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 08:00 PM - 09:10 PM

BOOK NOW

Event Snapshot

Cost

Member:
A Reserve $50, B Reserve $41
Full:
A Reserve $61, B Reserve $50
Concession:
A Reserve $54, B Reserve $44
Full Time Student
A Reserve $31, B Reserve $26
Under 30: $30
Group 6+: $45ea-$56ea
MobTix: $15

School Group: $20 per student (1 teacher free per 10 students)
Call 9784 1060 to arrange

*$4.50 per transaction fee applies.

Warnings

Contains references to death and violence, the use of strobe lighting, haze and loud sounds. Recommended for ages 15+

Duration

70 minutes, no interval

Lockout may apply

Seat Map

(PDF, 201KB)

Venue

Theatre