Board Of Governors

In the song 'Board Of Governors' from the musical Jekyll & Hyde, we witness a dramatic confrontation between Dr. Henry Jekyll and the Board of Governors of St. Jude's Hospital. Dr. Jekyll passionately presents his groundbreaking proposition to separate the good and evil within human beings through chemical means. He envisions a world free from anger, violence, and war, driven by compassion and a passion for life. His vision, however, is met with skepticism and outright rejection by the board, who view his ideas as dangerous, unethical, and blasphemous.

The song delves deep into the ethical dilemmas and societal fears surrounding scientific experimentation and the quest for knowledge. Dr. Jekyll's proposal to test his formula on a living human being is seen as playing God, a notion that the board, especially the Bishop, finds sacrilegious and morally unsound. The lyrics highlight the tension between scientific ambition and ethical boundaries, questioning the extent to which one should go in the name of progress. The board's refusal to endorse Jekyll's experiment underscores the societal resistance to radical ideas that challenge established norms and values.

Moreover, the song also touches on personal vendettas and the politics within the board. Mr. Simon Stride's disdain for Jekyll is evident, as he harbors personal grudges, further complicating the decision-making process. The rejection of Jekyll's proposition is not just a professional setback but a personal blow, as he feels misunderstood and constrained by those who lack his vision. The song poignantly captures the frustration and isolation of a visionary whose ideas are ahead of his time, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.