08/21/2025
Gaisma Theatre Group and Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako are pleased to announce Photosynthesis: Seed to Stage, a showcase of the powerful new musical Photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis: Seed to Stage, will feature songs and scenes from the show, plus conversations with playwright/composer Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako about the play’s development and themes.
Join us for performances at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute September 5, 6, & 7 at 7pm! Tickets at Gaismatheatregroup.org.
About The Show:
Photosynthesis is a contemporary musical about the mental health of Black women 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. 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 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.
Visit photosynthesismusical.com to learn more.
This project was supported, in part, by a grant from 4Culture.
