About RONiN 0

Enter the world of RONiN 0, where dance, swordplay, and cutting-edge digital projections come together to tell the story of a lone female swordfighter navigating honour, resilience, and survival in a male dominated world. Inspired by the legacy of Japan’s ronin—masterless samurai who lived by their own code—this performance follows the journey of a fearless woman swordfighter who faces off against powerful adversaries, challenging both herself and those who stand in her path.

Through powerful choreography, RONiN 0 takes audiences on a journey through Japan’s four seasons, each reflecting a new chapter of the heroine’s story. From the bloom of spring's cherry blossoms to the quiet snows of winter, each season mirrors the changing landscapes of her inner and outer battles.

Directed by award-winning choreographer Yukiko Masui, RONiN 0 combines contemporary dance with the striking precision of martial artistry, embodying the spirit of a warrior who stands alone. This performance blends traditional themes with dynamic movement, creating a compelling exploration of identity, resilience, and defiance in the face of adversity.

RONiN 0 will be presented as part of Here we Live and Now at Korzo in The Hague as part of a triple bill of short creations. On the same night as RONiN 0, you will also see new work by Constantin Trommlitz and Charlie Skuy.

ABOUT YUKIKO MASUI

Yukiko Masui has been the recipient of a Choreography Award from DanceXchange and an Akram Khan mentoring Award from Sky Arts, and is a Work Place Artist at The Place.

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Masui started her training in Hip Hop, Ballroom and Latin where she developed her passion for dance and movement. She moved to London to train in Contemporary Dance, where she completed her MA as part of Transitions Dance Company.

Masui has worked as a choreographer and movement director in theatre, including Miss Julie at Southwark Playhouse; Toy Show the Musical by RTE at Dublin Convention Centre; A Little Night Music at Story House; Say Yes to Tess, Leeds Playhouse; Guy: aNew Musical at The Bunker; Taming of the Shrew for Two Gents; and Urine Town at the London College of Music.

Contemporary Dance choreography credits include Say Something at National Dance Company of Wales; SAY AF at Dance Umbrella; Femme Spreading at Norrdans; TNIDBD at National Youth Dance Wales; For Seasons at Map Dance; Dream Deprivation at the London Contemporary Dance School; Drowning in Your Own Sins at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance; State of Readiness at London Studio Centre; and Break it Down at Trinity Laban. Her own works Unbox, It Takes Two Too and Falling Family have been commissioned and toured internationally by Birmingham Hippodrome, Norrlands Opera and more.

Masui’s performer credits include the international tour of Carmen for Agudo Dance Company; Tempo for Sadler’s Wells; the CommonWealth Opening Ceremony for Corey Baker Dance; the UK tour of Speak Louder Than Words for Cathy Waller Company; Still I Rise at TRIBE; Smack That at the Barbican; and Saving Face at Curve. Her film and commercial credits include The Marvels, Nike, Coldplay, So You Think You Can Dance (UK) and Ministry of Sound.

Masui is a co-founder of SAY, who are associate artists at DanceEast and have toured their own show the album internationally. They were recently on the creative team as movement directors for Romeo and Juliet, starring Tom Holland, at The Duke of York’s Theatre and The Effect, directed by Jamie Lloyd, at London’s National Theatre and The Shed in New York.

CREDITS

RONiN 0 is commissioned and co-produced by The Place and supported using public funding by Arts Council England, Cockayne - Grants for the Arts, The London Community Foundation and The Sasakawa Foundation. Supported by Kakilang.

Choreographer: Yukiko Masui

Sword and Stunt Specialist: Kashmir Leese

Digital Artist: Barret Hodgson

Composer: Ruth Chan

Performers: Cher Nicolette and Jacob Lang