Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

As Yvonne Brewster, Fae Ellington and Simone Clarke-Cooper started the extensive citation for Wycliffe Bennett last week Tuesday evening, they took the audience back 33 years.

They transported the gathering at the 2008 Actor Boy Awards, held at Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston, to 1976 and the National Stadium, where the 2008 Actor Boy Honoree Bennett was the voice on the microphone to the 25,000 people in the stands, 25,000 on the grounds and more outside clamouring to get in.

And over everybody Bennett's voice floated: "You are all magnificent."

The citation included Bennett's superlative achievements, from organising the National Arts Festival Movement (1943-1963), twice general manager of Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (now TVJ), and chairman and executive director of the Creative Production Training Centre.

But Bennett's contribution has been much more than the big things. "So many of us owe the genesis and making of our dreams to you," Ellington read. "Mr Bennett always found a way to give us struggling actors exposure."

How-you-speak

And they read Bennett's plaudits from other distinguished persons, such as Professor Edward Baugh, Professor Rex Nettleford and Buddy Pouyat, Clarke-Cooper noting that Bennett had trained many, "beginning with something as simple as 'how-you-speak'".

Then there was his advice: "Always occupy space, darling."

They also listed some of Bennett's many honours, including the Order of Distinction, Commander Class, the Silver Musgrave Medal and the Centenary Medal from the Institute of Jamaica. "And Sir, the International Theatre Institute, Jamaica Chapter, wants to honour you ..." And the honour came not only because of what Bennett has achieved, but also the manner in which he has done it, as the citation went on "... because you are gracious".

"You have won the nation's gratitude," the citation read.

Then Clarke-Cooper and Ellington went to the front row of the auditorium and, as the audience stood, escorted Bennett to the podium.

"I am totally overwhelmed. I don't know what to say. I'm speechless," Bennett said.

He referred to when he was teaching voice and speech, then said, "I wish to thank you all from the bottom of my heart." Then Bennett's tone changed as he asked, "Where is my wife?"

I am an optimist

"She can't be down there," Bennett said, looking to the front row where Hazel Bennett was still seated and the audience applauded. "Please understand that we are co-equals in the enterprise in life. Everything I do, we do together."

Still, he pointed out to laughter, "We quarrel a hell of a lot," outlining her minimalist, detail-oriented approach to life, while as a person who looks at the bigger picture, he said "I am an optimist."

"Everything I touch grows. Can't help that," Bennett said.

"I have to thank you for making me what I am," Bennett said to the audience, going on to refer to a book that he is writing which will be released in August.

"Thank you very much," Bennett ended, blowing a kiss to all.