Immersive theater 'Sleep No More' to open in Shenzhen

Shenzhen's cultural scene is set to gain a major new attraction with the arrival of the immersive theater "Sleep No More" at Shenzhen Bay MixC.

The project was announced during the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in late May.

Photos from Shenzhen Bay MixC's WeChat official account

Widely regarded as one of the most influential immersive theater productions, "Sleep No More" reimagines Shakespeare's "Macbeth," weaving film noir aesthetics into the fabric of storytelling.  

Unlike conventional theater, the production dispenses with fixed seating. Audience members wear masks and move freely through the performance space, following different characters and storylines to create their own unique experience.

Its Shanghai edition opened in 2016 on Beijing West Road in Jing'an District. Occupying five floors, the production transformed the venue known as "McKinnon Hotel" into an immersive environment featuring cinematic-scale set design.

Over the past decade, "Sleep No More" has remained one of China's most successful theatrical productions, smashing box-office records for resident shows. It has generated more than 600 million yuan in revenue and attracted over 700,000 visitors, among which 63% traveled from outside Shanghai or from overseas.

The upcoming Shenzhen edition is expected to draw on the Shanghai version's operational experience while incorporating upgraded elements. 

The premiere date for the Shenzhen edition has not yet been announced.