Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Left: Chairman of the Creative Production and Training Centre Limited (CPTC), Dr. Hopeton Dunn, chats with Dr. Hazel Bennett at the launch of the documentary 'The Legendary Wycliffe Bennett' held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, Ruthven Road, on Thursday, June 1. Right: The Carifolk Singers in performance as the Creative Production and Training Centre Limited (CPTC) launched the documentary 'The Legendary Wycliffe Bennett'. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
"FEW PEOPLE are so privileged to have their lives documented, and even fewer have this done while they are still living to appreciate it," said Dr, Hazel Bennett, the wife of Wycliffe Bennett, who is the subject of the documentary The Legendary Wycliffe Bennett. She spoke on behalf of her husband at the official launch of the documentary held on Thursday June 1, at the Knutsford Court Hotel, Ruthven Road, as he was unable to attend, due to illness.
The documentary, which was produced by the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC), is the latest in their Outstanding Jamaicans series. It chronicles the life and work of Wycliffe Bennett, highlighting his role in developing the arts in Jamaica. Now retired, Mr. Bennett has had a long relationship with the arts. He is the former chairman of CPTC, Jamaica School of Drama and the Jamaica School of Music. He was also the pioneer of the National Arts Festival Movement from 1943-1963, and acted as organiser from 1943 through to 1963. According to Dr. Hopeton Dunn, after having seen the documentary, Mr. Bennett said, "Thank you, thank you, at least I have been understood."
MAN OF THE ARTS
At the launch, friends, colleagues, and students of, the all-round 'man of the arts' paid tribute to his work and lauded his role in upholding and adding to Jamaica's rich cultural heritage. Talk show hostess Barbara Gloudon spoke well of Mr. Bennett. "All know him to be an irrepressible spirit and he did things in theatre that no one else had the courage to," she said. She commended his dedication to upholding quality in the performing arts, by not accepting the idea of "h'everyone wanting to h'ac" but instead encouraging pride in stage craft.
In keeping with Mr. Bennett's love for the arts, a number of cultural items were performed in his honour. Specifically, the Praise Academy of Dance made their tribute in dance, and both the Carifolk Singers and Ms. Dianne Hilton, a hopeful in the upcoming Performing Arts Olympics, made their tribute in song.
After it all, the guests were shown an excerpt from the documentary and copies were also available for sale at the function.
