Black Spartacus By Sudhir Hazareesingh

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Early Life

20201116

20250331 (BBC7)
20250401 (BBC7)
20201117 (R4)

Toussaint Louverture summed up the inhumanity of slavery in its systematic tendency:

‘to tear away the son from his mother, the brother from his sister, the father from his son'.

Sudhir Hazareesingh looks at what little is known of Toussaint's early life, his progress to coachman and his education by the Jesuits.

As an intelligent man who could read, it is likely he was key in shaping the strategy of the slave uprising in 1791.

But he was also a man of mystery and very little is documented about his life. He spread misinformation about himself and had a complex extended family with possibly 16 children.

Toussaint was a tactical leader and, after the uprising, he took time to consolidate his military position and as a rebel leader declared;

‘I was the first to favour a cause that I have always upheld ...what we have begun, I will finish'.

Abridged in five parts by Libby Spurrier.

Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.

A look at the early life of Haitian Revolution leader, Toussaint Louverture.

The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution.

Slave and coachman - before Louverture's formal emancipation and role in the slave uprising of 1791. Read by Adrian Lester.

Toussaint Louverture summed up the inhumanity of slavery in its systematic tendency to tear away the son from his mother, the brother from his sister, the father from his son'.

In this first episode, Sudhir Hazareesingh looks at what little is known of Toussaint's early life, his progress to coachman and his education by the Jesuits.

As an intelligent man who could read, it is likely he was key in shaping the strategy of the slave uprising in 1791, but he was also a man of mystery and there is very little documented material of his life. He spread misinformation about himself and had a complex extended family with possibly 16 children.

Toussaint was a tactical leader and, after the uprising, he took time to consolidate his military position and as a rebel leader declared, I was the first to favour a cause that I have always upheld ...what we have begun, I will finish'.

Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh

Reader: Adrian Lester

I was born a slave, but nature gave me the soul of a free man.' Toussaint Louverture

[LISTEN NOW]

Military Leader

20201117

20250401 (BBC7)
20250402 (BBC7)
20201118 (R4)

Following the 1791 Saint Domingue uprising, Toussaint Louverture shows himself to be a highly focussed military leader.

He's not afraid either to discipline his troops or to take part in fierce battle. Yet he's also a man of great compassion in line with his Christian faith.

On 1 April 1796, the Republican French governor Étienne Laveaux organised a grand ceremony to mark Toussaint Louverture becoming his deputy.

Toussaint was saluted as ‘the saviour of legitimate authority', and for the first time publicly likened to Spartacus.

Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh

Abridged by Libby Spurrier

Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.

Toussaint develops strong skills as a military commander.

The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution.

Toussaint develops strong skills as a military commander, and is for the first time likened to Spartacus. Read by Adrian Lester.

Following the 1791 Saint Domingue uprising, Toussaint shows himself to be both a highly focussed military leader - who is not afraid either to discipline his troops or to take part in fierce battle - but also a man of great compassion in line with his Christian faith.

On 1 April 1796, the Republican French governor ɀtienne Laveaux organised a grand ceremony to mark Toussaint Louverture becoming his deputy. Toussaint was saluted as the saviour of legitimate authority', and for the first time publicly likened to Spartacus.

Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh

Reader: Adrian Lester

A good soldier should appear cold from the outside, methodical, loyal and fiery inside.

[LISTEN NOW]

Authority

20201118

20250402 (BBC7)
20250403 (BBC7)
20201119 (R4)

It's 1798 and Napoleon sends his French Directory agent, Gabriel de Hedouville, to reduce Toussaint's power in the colony of Saint-Domingue.

Strategies are deployed by both men and, despite official affirmation on both sides, it is clear their relationship is cold.

Toussaint draws on his powers of diplomacy and his contacts, appointing key supporters as surveyors, priests and gendarmes.

The combination of his faith in God and his creative solutions to social problems make him a formidable match for Hedouville.

As Toussaint negotiates successfully with the British Government, Hedouville is humiliated and driven out of the colony.

In the London Gazette, Toussaint is described as ‘a negro born to vindicate the claims of his species, and to show that the character of man is independent of exterior colour'.

Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh

Abridged by Libby Spurrier

Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.

Toussaint and Gabriel de Hedouville fight a battle of wills over who has more authority.

The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution.

Toussaint and Gabriel de Hedouville fight a battle of wills over who has more authority. Who prevails? Read by Adrian Lester.

Strategies are deployed by both men and, despite official affirmation on both sides, it is clear their relationship is cold. Toussaint draws on his powers of diplomacy and his contacts, appointing key supporters as surveyors, priests and gendarmes. The combination of his faith in God and his creative solutions to social problems make him a formidable match for Hedouville.

As Toussaint negotiates successfully with the British Government, Hedouville is humiliated and driven out of the colony. In the London Gazette, Toussaint is described as a negro born to vindicate the claims of his species, and to show that the character of man is independent of exterior colour'.

Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh

Reader: Adrian Lester

Toussaint consolidates his power in colonial Saint-Domingue and broadens his horizons.

[LISTEN NOW]

Reforms

20201119

20250403 (BBC7)
20250404 (BBC7)
20201120 (R4)

Toussaint's sweeping reforms of both public and private activity help to bring about huge rises in productivity and exports, but his authoritative leadership style inspires rebellions, led by his nephew Moyse.

Toussaint shows no mercy to the rebels and verbally attacks most groups in society, outlining their shortcomings. Will this combination of force and authoritarianism be sufficient to strengthen and protect the colony?

Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh

Abridged by Libby Spurrier

Produced by Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.

Toussaint makes challenging reforms before approving his own governor nomination.

The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution.

Toussaint makes challenging reforms across society before approving his own nomination to be governor. Read by Adrian Lester.

Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh

Reader: Adrian Lester

Toussaint focusses his energies on creating a new constitution for Saint-Domingue.

[LISTEN NOW]

Defending Saint-domingue

20201120

20250404 (BBC7)
20250405 (BBC7)
20201121 (R4)

Napoleon Bonaparte and Toussaint Louverture engage in a fierce battle of both wit and force over Saint-Domingue. After three months of fighting Toussaint seeks to negotiate a truce, but the French know he has to be removed.

Toussaint is arrested and embarks on his first sea voyage - one-way - to France. “By striking me you have cut the tree of black liberty in Saint- Domingue. But it will spring back up from its roots for they are many and deep. ?

Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh

Abridged by Libby Spurrier

Produced by Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.

In 1801, Saint-Domingue faces an invasion threat from France and Toussaint must act fast.

The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution.

As Napoleon launches his invasion, Toussaint must draw on all his knowledge to defend Saint-Domingue. Read by Adrian Lester.

Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh

Reader: Adrian Lester

[LISTEN NOW]

OMNI

20250406

20250407 (BBC7)

An overview of Louverture's early life as a slave and a coachman before his formal emancipation in 1776 and his heavy involvement in the slave uprising of Saint-Domingue in 1791.

Toussaint Louverture [1797 – 1802] summed up the inhumanity of slavery in its systematic tendency ‘to tear away the son from his mother, the brother from his sister, the father from his son'.

As an intelligent, literate man, it is likely Louverture was key in shaping the strategy of the Haitian slave uprising in 1791, but he was also a man of mystery and there is very little documented material of his life. He spread misinformation about himself and had a complex extended family with possibly sixteen children.

In the London Gazette at the time, Louverture is described as ‘a negro born to vindicate the claims of his species, and to show that the character of man is independent of exterior colour'.

Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh

Omnibus of five parts abridged by Libby Spurrier.

Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2020.

A biography of the leader of the slave revolt that led to Haiti's independence.

A biography of the leader of the slave revolt that led to Haiti's independence. Read by Adrian Lester.

[LISTEN NOW]

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	Early Life	20201116	20250331 (BBC7) 20250401 (BBC7) 20201117 (R4)	Toussaint Louverture summed up the inhumanity of slavery in its systematic tendency: ‘to tear away the son from his mother, the brother from his sister, the father from his son'. Sudhir Hazareesingh looks at what little is known of Toussaint's early life, his progress to coachman and his education by the Jesuits. As an intelligent man who could read, it is likely he was key in shaping the strategy of the slave uprising in 1791. But he was also a man of mystery and very little is documented about his life. He spread misinformation about himself and had a complex extended family with possibly 16 children. Toussaint was a tactical leader and, after the uprising, he took time to consolidate his military position and as a rebel leader declared; ‘I was the first to favour a cause that I have always upheld ...what we have begun, I will finish'. Abridged in five parts by Libby Spurrier. Producer: Celia de Wolff A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020. A look at the early life of Haitian Revolution leader, Toussaint Louverture. The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution. Slave and coachman - before Louverture's formal emancipation and role in the slave uprising of 1791. Read by Adrian Lester. Toussaint Louverture summed up the inhumanity of slavery in its systematic tendency to tear away the son from his mother, the brother from his sister, the father from his son'. In this first episode, Sudhir Hazareesingh looks at what little is known of Toussaint's early life, his progress to coachman and his education by the Jesuits. As an intelligent man who could read, it is likely he was key in shaping the strategy of the slave uprising in 1791, but he was also a man of mystery and there is very little documented material of his life. He spread misinformation about himself and had a complex extended family with possibly 16 children. Toussaint was a tactical leader and, after the uprising, he took time to consolidate his military position and as a rebel leader declared, I was the first to favour a cause that I have always upheld ...what we have begun, I will finish'. Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh Reader: Adrian Lester I was born a slave, but nature gave me the soul of a free man.' Toussaint Louverture [LISTEN NOW]
02	Military Leader	20201117	20250401 (BBC7) 20250402 (BBC7) 20201118 (R4)	Following the 1791 Saint Domingue uprising, Toussaint Louverture shows himself to be a highly focussed military leader. He's not afraid either to discipline his troops or to take part in fierce battle. Yet he's also a man of great compassion in line with his Christian faith. On 1 April 1796, the Republican French governor Étienne Laveaux organised a grand ceremony to mark Toussaint Louverture becoming his deputy. Toussaint was saluted as ‘the saviour of legitimate authority', and for the first time publicly likened to Spartacus. Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh Abridged by Libby Spurrier Producer: Celia de Wolff A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020. Toussaint develops strong skills as a military commander. The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution. Toussaint develops strong skills as a military commander, and is for the first time likened to Spartacus. Read by Adrian Lester. Following the 1791 Saint Domingue uprising, Toussaint shows himself to be both a highly focussed military leader - who is not afraid either to discipline his troops or to take part in fierce battle - but also a man of great compassion in line with his Christian faith. On 1 April 1796, the Republican French governor ɀtienne Laveaux organised a grand ceremony to mark Toussaint Louverture becoming his deputy. Toussaint was saluted as the saviour of legitimate authority', and for the first time publicly likened to Spartacus. Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh Reader: Adrian Lester A good soldier should appear cold from the outside, methodical, loyal and fiery inside. [LISTEN NOW]
03	Authority	20201118	20250402 (BBC7) 20250403 (BBC7) 20201119 (R4)	It's 1798 and Napoleon sends his French Directory agent, Gabriel de Hedouville, to reduce Toussaint's power in the colony of Saint-Domingue. Strategies are deployed by both men and, despite official affirmation on both sides, it is clear their relationship is cold. Toussaint draws on his powers of diplomacy and his contacts, appointing key supporters as surveyors, priests and gendarmes. The combination of his faith in God and his creative solutions to social problems make him a formidable match for Hedouville. As Toussaint negotiates successfully with the British Government, Hedouville is humiliated and driven out of the colony. In the London Gazette, Toussaint is described as ‘a negro born to vindicate the claims of his species, and to show that the character of man is independent of exterior colour'. Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh Abridged by Libby Spurrier Producer: Celia de Wolff A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020. Toussaint and Gabriel de Hedouville fight a battle of wills over who has more authority. The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution. Toussaint and Gabriel de Hedouville fight a battle of wills over who has more authority. Who prevails? Read by Adrian Lester. Strategies are deployed by both men and, despite official affirmation on both sides, it is clear their relationship is cold. Toussaint draws on his powers of diplomacy and his contacts, appointing key supporters as surveyors, priests and gendarmes. The combination of his faith in God and his creative solutions to social problems make him a formidable match for Hedouville. As Toussaint negotiates successfully with the British Government, Hedouville is humiliated and driven out of the colony. In the London Gazette, Toussaint is described as a negro born to vindicate the claims of his species, and to show that the character of man is independent of exterior colour'. Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh Reader: Adrian Lester Toussaint consolidates his power in colonial Saint-Domingue and broadens his horizons. [LISTEN NOW]
04	Reforms	20201119	20250403 (BBC7) 20250404 (BBC7) 20201120 (R4)	Toussaint's sweeping reforms of both public and private activity help to bring about huge rises in productivity and exports, but his authoritative leadership style inspires rebellions, led by his nephew Moyse. Toussaint shows no mercy to the rebels and verbally attacks most groups in society, outlining their shortcomings. Will this combination of force and authoritarianism be sufficient to strengthen and protect the colony? Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh Abridged by Libby Spurrier Produced by Celia de Wolff A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020. Toussaint makes challenging reforms before approving his own governor nomination. The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution. Toussaint makes challenging reforms across society before approving his own nomination to be governor. Read by Adrian Lester. Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh Reader: Adrian Lester Toussaint focusses his energies on creating a new constitution for Saint-Domingue. [LISTEN NOW]
05	Defending Saint-domingue	20201120	20250404 (BBC7) 20250405 (BBC7) 20201121 (R4)	Napoleon Bonaparte and Toussaint Louverture engage in a fierce battle of both wit and force over Saint-Domingue. After three months of fighting Toussaint seeks to negotiate a truce, but the French know he has to be removed. Toussaint is arrested and embarks on his first sea voyage - one-way - to France. “By striking me you have cut the tree of black liberty in Saint- Domingue. But it will spring back up from its roots for they are many and deep. ? Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh Abridged by Libby Spurrier Produced by Celia de Wolff A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020. In 1801, Saint-Domingue faces an invasion threat from France and Toussaint must act fast. The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture, a slave who rose to lead the Haitian Revolution. As Napoleon launches his invasion, Toussaint must draw on all his knowledge to defend Saint-Domingue. Read by Adrian Lester. Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh Reader: Adrian Lester [LISTEN NOW]
OMNI		20250406	20250407 (BBC7)	An overview of Louverture's early life as a slave and a coachman before his formal emancipation in 1776 and his heavy involvement in the slave uprising of Saint-Domingue in 1791. Toussaint Louverture [1797 – 1802] summed up the inhumanity of slavery in its systematic tendency ‘to tear away the son from his mother, the brother from his sister, the father from his son'. As an intelligent, literate man, it is likely Louverture was key in shaping the strategy of the Haitian slave uprising in 1791, but he was also a man of mystery and there is very little documented material of his life. He spread misinformation about himself and had a complex extended family with possibly sixteen children. In the London Gazette at the time, Louverture is described as ‘a negro born to vindicate the claims of his species, and to show that the character of man is independent of exterior colour'. Written by Sudhir Hazareesingh Omnibus of five parts abridged by Libby Spurrier. Producer: Celia de Wolff A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2020. A biography of the leader of the slave revolt that led to Haiti's independence. A biography of the leader of the slave revolt that led to Haiti's independence. Read by Adrian Lester. [LISTEN NOW]