New interactions, new cast for 'The Deal'

Since last October, “The Deal,” a physical theater production staged aboard the Minghua Ship — now branded Ancerville — in Shekou, has been the talk of the town for its unexpectedly immersive, multi-sensory experience.

The Minghua Ship, now branded Ancerville, in Shekou. Photos courtesy of the organizer

Inspired by Goethe’s “Faust” and Gogol’s “The Overcoat,” the show follows an ordinary person who trades his fate for a soul and finds redemption through true love. Uniquely, the production is not staged in a conventional theater but inside the ship’s historic hull; audience members move with the actors across seven decks. 

Scenes from “The Deal.”

During the performance, viewers can wander through meticulously crafted sets where nearly 3,000 props sourced from European antique shops recreate 1930s Paris. They don’t have to follow the characters — they can choose a corner to watch and piece together the story from the fragments they witness.

Co-produced by China Merchants Shekou and Amit Lahav, founder of the U.K.-based Gecko Theatre, the show is China’s first original immersive physical theater production from Shenzhen, created with support and guidance from the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee. It is also a key part of Shenzhen’s push to become an international performing arts capital.

Scenes from “The Deal.”

Since its premiere in October 2025, the production team has continuously refined the plot, enriched subplots, and designed additional interactive moments for actors, so audience members can discover new experiences and hidden storylines. The cast members come from 12 countries, and new actors have joined the ensemble for the current run through the Spring Festival.

Some cast members of “The Deal.”

“My only regret is not being able to see it twice. This isn’t your typical play with a fixed script and set stage. ‘The Deal’ turns the audience into co-creators, negotiators, and, at times, participants,” said Kris Scully, a U.S. audience member who watched the show in October 2025.

After 1,000 days of renovation, the Ancerville has emerged as a new cultural landmark in Shenzhen, integrating theater, fine dining, water shows, shopping, entertainment, and social spaces — fusing the city’s reform and opening-up heritage with cutting-edge international theater.

Inside the Ancerville.

During the Spring Festival holiday, the cast will interact with audience members during the Feb. 20-23 performances to celebrate the Spring Festival.

Audience guidance for “The Deal”:

The performance is recommended for ages 14 and up. 

The show is primarily physical; the international cast may occasionally speak in their native languages. No subtitles will be provided.

The show runs about two hours with no intermission. 

There are no fixed seats; audience members may be asked to move with the actors, including going up and down stairs, and it is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

The performance features special effects such as strobe lighting, fog, and lasers. It is not recommended for audience members with serious medical conditions.

Interaction with the performers is voluntary.

Current run dates for “The Deal.”

Booking: One蛇口

Venue: Sea World Ancerville, Shekou, Nanshan District 海上世界-明华轮

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A