RONiN

Enter the world of RONiN, 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 a captivating blend of movement and technology, RONiN takes audiences on a journey through Japan’s four seasons, each reflecting a new chapter of our heroine’s path. The projections transform the stage, from spring's cherry blossoms to winter's silent snowfall, creating an anime-inspired realm that merges ancient traditions with modern visual storytelling.

Award-winning choreographer Yukiko Masui crafts RONiN’s intense physicality, combining contemporary dance with martial precision to embody the fierce spirit of a warrior. Digital artist Barret Hodgson enhances each scene with dynamic projection mapping, immersing audiences in a vivid, animated world that magnifies the intensity of every movement and duel, creating a stunning intersection of tradition, technology, and timeless themes.

Please note this performance contains haze and flashing lights.

RONiN is commissioned and co-produced by The Place. Commissioned by DanceEast and Dance City 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

Digital Artist: Barret Hodgson

Composer: Ruth Chan

Dramaturge: Lou Cope

Sword and Stunt Specialist: Kashmir Leese

Performers: Cher Nicolette, Jacob Lang, Nathan Bartman