From the Higgs boson to broken hearts: Javier Santaolalla brings science and heartbreak to Argentina

What do physics, the universe and heartbreak have in common? For Javier Santaolalla, far more than might seem possible. The physicist and prominent Spanish-language science communicator is returning to Argentina with El Club de la Tusa, a stage show that moves away from the traditional lecture format and blends science with music, poetry, history, mythology and humor.

The return follows the strong response to his first tour of the country in 2025. Santaolalla performed three shows at Buenos Aires’ Teatro Astral, as well as in Córdoba and Rosario, all to full houses. The new tour keeps the spirit of the original production while adding changes and new moments.

The first confirmed performances will take place on December 4 at Teatro Astral in Buenos Aires, December 9 at Teatro Astengo in Rosario and December 11 at Teatro Roxy-Radio City in Mar del Plata. The tour will continue on December 17 at Teatro El Galpón in Montevideo, Uruguay.

El Club de la Tusa takes its name from “tusa,” a term used in several Latin American countries for the emotional state that follows a romantic breakup. That feeling becomes the starting point for questions about love, emotions and the human condition. Santaolalla combines scientific concepts with stories, reflections, poetry and pieces played live on piano, while inviting the audience to take part in an experience that breaks the usual distance between the stage and the seats.

Santaolalla holds a doctorate in particle physics and worked at CERN as part of one of the teams involved in the discovery of the Higgs boson. He later focused mainly on science communication and built a community of millions of followers on social media and digital platforms. His scientific training, together with interests in literature, philosophy, the humanities and music, gave rise to a show that is difficult to classify and approaches human emotions from unexpected angles.