TENSA Companyia
TENSA companyia is an emerging contemporary circus company based in Barcelona, founded in 2021 by Joan Sala (static trapeze), Anna Montaner (aerial rope) and Xavier Sisquella. Joan and Anna bring their experience as circus performers and the initial scenic material to develop, while Xavier contributes his expertise in theatre and circus direction for the creation of BUTZA, their debut show. The piece has received creative support from the Generalitat de Catalunya, L’Estruch in Sabadell, La Central del Circ, C.IN.E Sineu, Konvent, Can Clariana Cultural, La Lleialtat Santsenca and Tub d’Assaig.
TENSA companyia is committed to circus with a class-conscious perspective, believing that circus training from the periphery offers authenticity and discursive richness to the stage. Rather than focusing on self-referential narratives, their artistic research centers on how to universalize individual mental phenomena, using the stage as a space to connect with others through oneself.
BUTZA
Residence Septiembre 2025
BUTZA is a 45–50-minute contemporary circus duet combining aerial rope, trapeze, theatre, and humor. It explores our relationship with desire — both our own and others’ — seeking what is universally human in all its expressions. It’s an unsettling space where identity dissolves, revealing what lies beneath: fear of fulfilled desire, boredom with desires met, self-destruction when they are not, their moralization. A space that resonates deeply, encouraging reflection on what we share, even in our most uncomfortable or strange desires.
Butza is when the party ends.
A liminal state where everything is either created or destroyed, and desires erupt in grotesque ways.
A moment that gives voice to contradiction, to two people repeating an absurd and desperate script.
An attempt to escape abandonment and the confusion of an endless cycle.
A trace of what is yet to come.
Butza is when the party begins.
Artistic Credits
Original idea: Joan Sala
Artistic direction: TENSA companyia
Stage direction & dramaturgy: Xavier Sisquella
Performers: Joan Sala & Anna Montaner
Sound & music: Alex K. Cabrer Manning
Lighting: José Pablo Parra
Photography: Marta Garcia
Video: Bruno Zaffora
Production & distribution: TENSA companyia
Creation support & residencies:
OSIC – Generalitat de Catalunya, L’Estruch Fàbrica de Creació, La Central del Circ, El Canal de Salt, Centre Cívic Can Clariana, Konvent, La Lleialtat Santsenca, Tub d’Assaig, C.IN.E Sineu
Acknowledgements: Clara Prieto, Julis Briansó, Víctor Bobadilla
