A new play which is a “powerful” tribute to Joseph Laroche, the only black passenger aboard the RMS Titanic, is to have its première in Birmingham.
Written and directed by Dr Carlette L Norwood, Laroche will be performed at the city’s Black Box Theatre, founded by Dr Norwood, a black American playwright and theatre director based in the UK. The theatre is “committed to amplifying under-represented voices through bold and impactful productions” and Laroche will be its inaugural in-house show.
Dr Norwood said, “Joseph Laroche’s story is one of resilience and perseverance, and yet it has been largely forgotten, especially in popular culture. Through this play we aim to change that. This is more than just a historical drama; it’s a reclamation of a piece of black history that’s been lost in time. Laroche’s legacy lives on and we are honoured to share his story.”
The play recounts Laroche’s journey from Haiti to France, his marriage to a white French woman and the fateful decision that led to his family's passage on the Titanic.
Laroche will have three performances at the Black Box Theatre during UK Black History Month, from Thursday 10 until Saturday 12 October.