Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Dr Hazel Bennett, wife of Wycliff Bennett, speaks with Dr Hopeton Dunn, chairman and CEO of the Creative Production and Training Centre Limited (CPTC) at the launch of the documentary, "The Legendary Wycliff Bennett", held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, Ruthven Road on Thursday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
UNDER THE APT TITLE 'The Legendary Wycliff Bennett' the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) launched a documentary on the life of Wycliff Bennett at the Knutsford Court Hotel, last Thursday night. The CPTC owes much of its history to Bennett's work, and Barbara Gloudon suggested that through biographies like his the company may find salvation for the future.
Bennett was unable to attend the launch of the documentary as he is recovering from a bout of illness. His wife, Dr. Hazel Bennett noted that Bennett's treatment has affected his lucidity and as such she would tell him of the proceedings a little at a time, then repeat the entire tale when he has recovered all his faculties.
She explained that Bennett had seen the documentary, directed and produced by Jacqueline Huie, and quite approved of it. This statement was reiterated by chairman of the CPTC, Hopeton Dunn, who noted that upon seeing the documentary Bennett declared "Thank you, thank you. At least I have been understood."
Playwright and radio talk show host Barbara Gloudon gave the evening's address. She wittily reminisced about working with Bennett and spoke glowingly about his imagination. "The thing I love about Wycliff is that his imagination was bigger than ours, though we didn't know it," she said.
Gloudon described Bennett as "an irrepressible spirit" and noted that he did things that others did not, because they either did not have the "imagination" or the "courage" to do them. She explained that Bennett was committed to quality and detail, a trait that is rare today. "Nobody wants to do stagecraft anymore," she said. "They want to hack."
While she reminisced about Bennett, Gloudon also noted that his illness is a part of life. "We're all worried about Wycliff," she said, "but those of us who are mature know it's a road we all must travel."
TRAVELLING ON THAT FATEFUL ROAD
Gloudon also pointed out that the CPTC is also on that fateful road and indicated that through a series of biographies it might well be able to save itself by creating and catering to a niche market dedicated to documenting great Jamaicans.
Angela Patterson, chief executive officer of the CPTC noted that it was a path that the company was already on, as additional documentaries, including a piece on Olive Lewin were in the works.
The evening also included performances by Praise Academy of Dance, Dianne Hylton and the Cari-folk Singers, as well as an excerpt of the documentary. It features commentary by Joyce Campbell, George Carter, John Maxwell, Alma Mock Yen and ended with Rex Nettleford who paraphrased French writer and philosopher Voltaire's famous statement about God stating "If he did not exist, we would have to invent him."
