Americolor Opera and Theater Arts presents LaRoche

From the venue:

Americolor Opera and Theater Arts presents LaRoche

— a powerful, harrowing tale of Joseph Philippe LeMercier LaRoche, the only Black passenger aboard the ill-fated Titanic, by Atlanta composer Sharon J. Willis. Starring Jacob Lay as LaRoche, this production celebrates Americolor’s 25th anniversary.

Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche (26 May 1886 15 April 1912) was a Haitian engineer. He was one of only three passengers of known Haitian ancestry (the other two being his children) on the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic.

He put his pregnant French wife and their two daughters onto a lifeboat; they survived, but he did not. Joseph's daughter, Louise Laroche (2 July 1910 28 January 1998) was one of the last remaining survivors of the sinking of RMS Titanic.

LaRoche, a three-act opera by Atlanta composer Sharon J. Willis, is based on his life and premiered at the 2003 National Black Arts Festival, held at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on July 18 of that year.

Jacob Lay will sing the title role.

Sun, Sept 21, 2025 – Davage Auditorium, Clark Atlanta University | 4:00 PM
(Use Waze and search “Bishop Cornelius L. Henderson” to reach the parking deck; signs will direct you to the auditorium.)
Buy tickets for September 21

Sun, Sept 28, 2025* – Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 2755 Campbellton Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 | 4:00 PM
Buy tickets for September 28

Sun, Oct 5, 2025 – Central United Methodist Church, 501 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | 4:00 PM
Buy tickets for October 5

Sun, Oct 12, 2025* – First Congregational Church, 105 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | 4:00 PM