LaRoche
The Untold Story of Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche"
Laroche is written by Dr Carlette L Norwood and will show October 10-12th 2024 at the Birmingham Black Box Theatre.
Laroche" is a poignant and thought-provoking play that sheds light on the life and journey of Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche, the only Black 2nd Class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century racial tensions and social dynamics, the play explores Laroche's remarkable journey, aspirations, and the tragic circumstances that led him to board the ill-fated Titanic.
Tickets available here
“The narrative,” says Dr Norwood, “unfolds through a series of flashbacks, as Laroche's life is portrayed from his humble beginnings in Haiti to his pursuit of education and engineering in France. We introduce the audience to Laroche's unwavering determination to overcome racial barriers and achieve success in a world fraught with prejudice and discrimination.”
“We introduce the audience to Laroche's unwavering determination to overcome racial barriers and achieve success in a world fraught with prejudice and discrimination.”
As the play progresses, Laroche's encounter with Juliette Lafargue, a young French woman, becomes a central focus. Their love story transcends societal norms and challenges, offering a glimpse into the complexities of interracial relationships during that era.
Despite facing opposition and scrutiny, Laroche and Juliette's bond strengthens.
Show run: October 10-12th 2024
October 10th – 7:30pm
October 11th – 7:30pm
October 12th – 2pm matinee and 7:30pm
Tickets available here
The decision to board the Titanic becomes a pivotal moment in Laroche's life. Driven by a desire to provide a better future for his family, he makes the fateful choice to embark on the voyage, unaware of the impending tragedy that awaits.
"LaRoche" pays homage to Laroche among the countless other Black individuals whose stories have been overlooked in the annals of history.
Against the backdrop of the Titanic's final hours, "LaRoche" pays homage to Laroche among the countless other Black individuals whose stories have been overlooked in the annals of history. Through powerful storytelling and emotional performances, the play challenges audiences to relive those final fateful moments of LaRoche’s life.
“I’m so excited to tell this story. It’s not another Titanic story.” says Norwood, “its a passenger story and I feel honoured to have been the one to write it. When James Cameron produced a seventy five million dollar film about the Titanic. We saw the Irish struggle, the class struggles, the upper class were also depicted but nowhere was it mentioned that a Black man was on the Titanic.”
And this was a man from a very distiguished background,” continues Norwood, “his great grandfather was one of the leaders of the Haitian revolution. His uncle was the President of Haiti at the time of his death. So it’s time for this man’s story to be told.
I’m humbled to play this part.” says lead actor Destiny Osagiede who plays Joseph Laroche. “It’s my dream to tell as story as unique as this. People need to see how he sacrificed his life to help his family. I hope we make something that can touch the world.”
As the curtains close, "LaRoche" leaves a lasting impression. Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering those who have been marginalised and forgotten, ensuring that their voices echo through generations.
Laroche
Written and Directed by: Dr Carlette L Norwood Stage Manager: Ryan J
Show run: October 10-12th 2024
October 10th – 7:30pm
October 11th – 7:30pm
October 12th – 2pm matinee and 7:30pm
Principles: Joseph Laroche – Destiny Osagiede Juliette Lafargue – Christina Appana
Supporting: 15-year-old Laroche – Torian Williams Euzelie Laroche – Victoria Anthony Factory Owner – Jack Loy, Landlady – Alli Weir, Pascal Lafargue – Kerry Frater
Titanic Crew: Capt. Edward J. Smith – Kerry Frater, CommanderLightoller–JackLoy , FifthOfficerLowe–TBD ThirdOfficerPittman–OscarMackie, JackPhillips–RichardConstable
Extras: Richard Constable as FOH character People in the park, people on deck.
Stage Crew: Victoria Anthony, set design Sebastian Hamela, set design Lesa Hewitt