Ship sails into new role

The Minghua ship, a historic symbol of Shenzhen's transformation, will become the stage for a new theatrical experience. On Oct 1, The Deal, an original immersive physical theatre production, will premiere on board.

This groundbreaking performance reimagines the Minghua —formerly known as the Acerville — as a fully immersive space with eight distinct performance areas, promising audiences an experience unlike any other.

Set in 1930s Paris, The Deal invites audiences to step into a world of intrigue and emotion. Viewers are encouraged to move freely throughout the performance, allowing them to explore a bustling Parisian street, enter a tense office, or sink into the smoky atmosphere of a live jazz bar.

Along the way, they'll encounter close-up, interactive moments, blurring the lines between actor and audience, performer and participant.

Inspired by classic literary works, The Deal draws from Goethe's Faust and Gogol's The Overcoat, yet offers a fresh perspective through physical theater. The production relies on movement and breath rather than traditional dialogue, with performers' bodies carrying the weight of story and feeling. The result is a performance that speaks directly to the senses, creating a deeply visceral experience.

Directed by UK performance artist Amit Lahav, The Deal is an international collaboration that brings together a cast of 36 professional actors from 12 countries across Europe and Asia.

Lahav, the artistic director and founder of Gecko—an award-winning, internationally renowned physical theater company—has long been known for his ability to create innovative, boundary-pushing performances that blend movement, narrative, and emotion.

The Minghua ship itself carries a layered history. Launched in 1962 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by then French President Charles de Gaulle, it was initially designed as a luxury cruise liner for special use. Over the years, the ship played an important role in China's international relations. In 1979, it became the official vessel for the China-Japan Friendship delegation's visit to Japan, a symbol of cultural exchange between the two nations.

Its role as a "ship of friendship" continued as later, as a "tourist vessel," it connected China with Australia.

In 1983, the Minghua ship docked in Shenzhen's Shekou area, where it served as a reception venue and residence for foreign investors, quickly becoming an iconic landmark and a witness to the city's rapid transformation from a small fishing village to a bustling international metropolis.

For over four decades, the Minghua has stood as a testament to Shenzhen's growth and the enduring power of cultural exchange. Today, as it transforms once again, this time into stage for The Deal, the ship continues to bridge the past and the present—offering a new, dynamic space for artistic innovation while honoring its historic legacy.