Photosynthesis
Coming September 2025…
Photosynthesis Concert Event & Fundraiser
Stay tuned for announcements on casting and performance dates of this upcoming co-production with Gaisma Theatre Group in collaboration with LANGSTON at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle, WA. Sign up for updates and early access to tickets below!
About the Play and Playwright
Photosynthesis is a contemporary musical about the mental health of Black women and girls, and the search for light in dark times. Set against the lush backdrop of fictional flower shop Miss Nika's Awesome Blossoms, the story follows Nika Tambwani, a gifted floral artist running her successful business in Seattle’s Central District. Privately, Nika is struggling under the pressure to maintain the facade of "thriving" as a Black female entrepreneur, delivering joy to other people while she can't seem to hold onto any for herself. A viral moment causes the popularity of Nika’s shop to grow exponentially until she can no longer manage the business on her own. When her car unexpectedly breaks down, Nika is sent spiraling. Unsure of the path ahead, Nika trades her pruning shears for socket wrenches in hopes of a change in perspective. This riveting story examines the pressures of modern life with a generous dose of humor and a genre-spanning musical score as complex as its characters.
Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako (she/her) is a Seattle-based multidisciplinary artist whose work includes writing, performing, directing, producing, and managing creative projects with innovators who spark her curiosity. 💐