Photosynthesis is a contemporary musical about the mental health of Black women, and the search for light in dark times.

PLAY SYNOPSIS

Set against the lush backdrop of Miss Nika's Awesome Blossoms, Photosynthesis follows Anika Tambwani, a gifted floral artist running a 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, consistently 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. If her mind is plagued by ugly thoughts while touching beautiful flowers all day, could touching rust, grease, and grime make way for beautiful thoughts?

This story examines the pressures of modern life with a generous dose of humor, and a genre-spanning musical score as complex as its characters.