18 — 29 OCTOBER

Lose To Win

Written by Mandela Mathia

Directed By Jessica Arthur

Lose to Win is an autobiographical one-man show. It is an intimate exploration of perseverance, self-acceptance and hope. Mandela Mathia takes you on a journey from Juba, South Sudan to Cairo, Egypt and finally to Sydney, Australia. Along the way he details the trials he has overcome to be truly grateful for where he is today.

Through spoken word, song, comedy and movement, Mandela will share with audiences his love of hip-hop, biblical stories, and the vast range of jobs he has worked that have shaped him.

In Mandela’s writing debut, he interrogates what it means to search for safety and to find a true sense of self. His stories celebrate the South Sudanese community and acknowledges how far they’ve come after 27 years of war. 

Image: Robert Catto

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Creative team

Written by Mandela Mathia
Directed by Jessica Arthur
Lighting Design Kate Baldwin
Sound Design Rose Mulcare

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. 

Dates + Ticketing

Preview: 18 October 2022

Season: 19 - 29 October 2022

Approximate run time: 70 minutes

Content Note: To be confirmed closer to season

  • Image credit: Clare Hawley

  • Image credit: Clare Hawley

  • Image credit: Clare Hawley

  • Image credit: Clare Hawley

  • Image credit: Clare Hawley

  • Image credit: Clare Hawley

  • Image credit: Clare Hawley

Select Reviews

"Truly consequential"

— Suzy Goes See

“Lose To Win is a sensitively constructed work…certainly rich with what it conveys.”

— Suzy Goes See

“Mathia’s unmistakeable sincerity is at the centre of Lose To Win, urging a connection where we have become used to fracture and alienation.”

— Suzy Goes See

From Cat, Con & Alex: The Old Fitz Theatre Artistic Directors

“In October, Mandela Mathia presents his new solo autobiographical show, Lose to Win. Mandela has been working with director Jessica Arthur to create this piece over the past few years, meeting regularly to collectively put to page his life so far, following the journey to where he finds himself today. Jessica directed Sarah De Lappe’s smash-hit sold-out The Wolves back in 2018 (before transferring to Belvoir the following year) and anyone who has ever had a conversation with Mandela knows the incredible stories and experiences he has journeyed through. And his deep love of theatre. We are so looking forward to sitting in the intimate Fitz space with Mandela for this compelling one man show.”