Monsieur Toussaint: A Play

by Édouard Glissant

Edouard Glissant's Monsieur Toussaint tells the tragic story of Toussaint Louverture, the charismatic leader of the revolution - the only successful slave revolt in history - that led to Haiti's independence two-hundred years ago. Translated by the author himself in collaboration with J. Michael Dash, this new edition captures the striking essence of the original French play (first published in 1961).

Genres: Drama

127 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1981

About the author

Édouard Glissant was a French writer, poet, philosopher, and literary critic from Martinique. He is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in Caribbean thought and cultural commentary.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A play chartering the life of Toussaint Louverture from slave to general to governor to French prisoner. Tries to link the course of his life and his failures as a revolutionary leader as in the end necessary for the success of the Haitian revolution. Not that well written, relying on in-your-face proclamations instead of nuance. Also requires background knowledge of the revolution in order to make much sense.

[Naomi Sneath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confusing if you don’t know a basic history of the Haitian Revolution. Read for class.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Play about the Haitian revolutionary figure that I read for a college class on postcolonial literature. Lots of meaty po-co theory in here, if you're into that sort of thing ;P