Tailors Today: Leviathan: The Musical

Leviathan: The Musical

Posted by to script on Saturday November 6, 2004.
Here is its permanent location

We present to you Leviathan: The Musical, a brilliant stage adaptation of the true story of Thomas Hobbes, the English philosopher whose social treatise set out to describe how mankind, placed into a natural state of constant warfare, could achieve a just and stable society by accepting contractual limitations on their freedom.

Also, to spice up what could otherwise be a rather dry historical piece, Hobbes and his sidekick, “The Fool,” (whom he hypothesises in order to contradict his own theories.. with hilarious consequences!) are called upon by Scotland Yard to track down a baby panda stolen from the London Zoo. Here is an exerpt from the heart-breaking song, “Of the Natural Condition of Mankind, as Concerning Their Felicity and Misery.”

ACT II, SCENE IV:

The Fool:

Reason says I may break covenant, If it benefits me, doesn’t it? Presupposing I do not get caught? For reason tells us only things That fulfillment of desire brings The equity of conduct matters not.

Hobbes:

The fact that you’re a silly twit Is proven by your postulate A contract made is one to be fulfilled! For in a commonwealth of civil law With “the power to keep men in awe” A breach of faith will quickly get you killed! And as there is no guarantee That you will get away scot free Your supposition does not stand to reason. To perpetuate a state of war Is to court disaster! And what’s more, You’ll be guilty of the highest form of treason! And if, as I’ve already shown, No man subsists long on his own, And needs the help of his confederates, He should cultivate that state of peace In which all selfishness must cease And equity become prerequisite.

The Fool:

Thank you for that explanation Of why we must resist temptation And avoid Psycho-Egoistic Propaganda!

Hobbes:

A pleasure it was, debating with you But we must hurry to the zoo And solve the mystery of the stolen panda!