From War-Torn Childhood To The Stage, Lose To Win Comes To Regional SA

April 14, 2026

Pic – Mandela Mathia by Daniel Boud.

Melissa Smith

Lose to Win is a True Story Of Survival, Resilience and Finding Your Place in a New Country

An incredible life story is hitting the stage in Renmark and Mount Gambier this May.

Lose To Win follows Mandela Mathia, who shares his journey from South Sudan to Australia. Fleeing his war-torn home as a child, Mandela shares the years he spent in Egypt, eventually finding his place on stage.

It’s real and raw, with plenty of humour and heart woven through it. A powerful performance that pulls at the heartstrings.

Mandela is joined on stage by musician Yacou Mbaye, with the story told through spoken word, song and comedy.

A Story That Hits Close To Home

Backed by Country Arts SA and Belvoir St Theatre, it lands in communities where stories like this are part of everyday life.

“As someone who arrived in Australia as a refugee, Mandela Mathia brings a story that speaks directly to Renmark and Mount Gambier,” Country Arts SA executive programmer Sarah Knight says.

“These are communities that open their doors to new Australians.

“Mount Gambier is a designated regional resettlement location, making this work especially relevant.”

A celebration of the South Sudanese community, of resilience, and the power of imagination, Lose To Win is a modern Australian story that feels right at home on regional stages.

“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.”
~Mandela Mathia

Mandela says the show is about giving people hope and the chance to see a different path forward.

“This show helps give young people, everyone, the hope to reinvent themselves and feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“It is a story of empowerment, of everyone who had to deal with the rocks life threw and continues to throw at them, but still chose, and continue to choose, to turn these rocks into jewels and move forward.”