My name is Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako, and I'm a writer, director, performer, and producer of creative projects. I've worked with Goodspeed Musicals, ACT Contemporary Theatre, Seattle Rep, Seattle Children's Theatre, 5th Avenue, Village Theatre, ArtsWest, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, HBO, NBC, Netflix, and more.

Following the success of the September 2025 showcase "Photosynthesis: Seed to Stage" at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle, I am now working to produce a full demo album with new songs and updated arrangements for submission to new works festivals and theatrical producers in anticipation of the world premiere production of Photosynthesis.

Visit the Photosynthesis Musical Website to follow the journey of the show, and join my Patreon community for behind the scenes insights and more ways to connect with my work!

GoFundMe Donors and Patreon subscribers will have first access to the album drop!

PLAY SYNOPSIS:

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.

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY:

2025 - Nako co-produces the showcase "Photosynthesis: Seed to Stage" with Gaisma Theatre Group, featuring scenes and songs from Photosynthesis--written, directed by, and starring Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako in the lead role at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute

2025 - Nako is awarded a 4Culture: Arts Project (Individuals) Grant to produce a showcase featuring scenes and songs from Photosynthesis

2024 - Photosynthesis has a developmental workshop reading in the Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals

2023 - Nako earns a residency to develop Photosynthesis with the Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals

2022 - Nako is commissioned by 5th Avenue and Village Theatre to create an original musical inspired by life in the PNW, which becomes Photosynthesis