"Shenzhen is striving to become an international capital of performing arts, with both market trends and policy support actively fostering the growth of theatrical productions," Zhang explains.

"While the scale and artistic maturity of immersive theater here may not yet rival cities like Shanghai or Beijing, the potential for expansion and creative development is substantial."

The Deal is a centerpiece of the recent renovation and transformation of the Minghua cruise ship. Originally built in France and later acquired by China, the vessel once sailed to destinations including Tanzania, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Australia.

Since 1983, it has been permanently moored at Shekou in Shenzhen, where it has served as accommodation and a reception venue for foreign and Hong Kong investors, quietly witnessing Shenzhen's remarkable evolution from a fishing village into a global metropolis — a transformation propelled by China's reform and opening-up.

As a resident production in Shenzhen, The Deal aims to embody the city's spirit.

"This show really gives a message of doing everything for your dreams. It's about making your dreams come true. People come to Shenzhen from everywhere in China because they carry that kind of promise. I think that's why the show lands really well in this specific place," says Andres Velasquez, the Colombian resident director of The Deal.

Contact the writer at xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn