Sonic Bloom Fund: Photosynthesis (the Album)

My name is 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, Village Theatre, ArtsWest, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, HBO, NBC, Netflix, and more.

Following the showcase Photosynthesis: Seed to Stage running September 5-7, 2025 at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle, my goal is 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. GoFundMe Donors and Patreon subscribers will have first access to the album drop!

SHOW 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:

Photosynthesis received a joint commission from 5th Avenue Theatre and Village Theatre in 2022, and has since been developed at Goodspeed Musicals through the 2023 Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove and the 2024 Festival of New Musicals.