Basura

What do you do when the world gives you nothing? You build something beautiful. In a community against all odds, an inspired music teacher starts an orchestra for the students, but they have no instruments. Empty paint cans, a fork, and a bent license plate become a violin, an oil drum transforms into a colorful cello, and the newly formed orchestra hits every note to the beat of something bigger. When the students' instruments become symbols of possibility, the sound is heard around the world.

Based on the award-winning documentary film Landfill Harmonic, the new musical carries the sound of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra farther than anyone could have ever imagined. BASURA is an unforgettable journey of rhythm, resilience, and extraordinary music — a radiant, heart-swelling reminder that even in the most unlikely places, you can build something beautiful. Show the world what you’re made of.

Eleven-time Grammy Award® winner Gloria Estefan — whose music has sold over 100 million records worldwide — has shaped generations through song. Now, she joins her daughter and acclaimed singer-songwriter, Grammy Award® nominee Emily Estefan, to co-write the music and lyrics for BASURA, a powerful and bold new musical inspired by the true story of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra, where young artists turn scrap material into instruments and music into possibilities. This world premiere musical continues Estefan’s global legacy — proving that music can rise from anywhere and change everything

BASURA is directed by the Broadway stage visionary MICHAEL GREIF (Rent, Dear Evan Hansen), written by National Latino Playwriting Award-winner KAREN ZACARÍAS (Native Gardens, Destiny of Desire). Grammy Award® and Tony Award® winner ALEX LACAMOIRE (Hamilton, In the Heights) is the musical supervisor, orchestrator, and arranger. Tony Award® winner PATRICIA DELGADO (Buena Vista Social Club) is the choreographer and KEN CERNIGLIA (Hadestown, Newsies) is the dramaturg.

Based on the award-winning documentary film “LANDFILL HARMONIC,” the new musical carries the sound of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra farther than anyone could have ever imagined. BASURA is AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY OF RHYTHM, RESILIENCE, AND HOPE — a radiant, heart-swelling reminder that even in the most unlikely places, you can build something beautiful. SHOW THE WORLD WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF.

BASURA played from Saturday, May 30, 2026 through Friday, July 12, 2026 at Alliance Theatre’s Coca-Cola Stage in Atlanta, GA.