London, Nov 07: British playwright Harold Pinter has been presented with the Companion of Honor accolade by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to literature. During a brief ceremony at Buckingham palace yesterday, Pinter, 72, was given a gold oval badge worn by members of the exclusive order. The award, founded in 1917 by George V, is conferred on men and women for services of national importance. Regarded as one of Britain's greatest postwar playwrights, Pinter is a notable figure on the British Left and his work has become increasingly political.
He once turned down an offer of a knighthood, and he attacked Prime Minister Tony Blair over the NATO bombing of Serbia.
Pinter is the noted author of such seminal dramas as "Betrayal," "The Caretaker," and "The Birthday Party." Long ago, he lent his name to the adjective pinteresque, to characterise the charged, vaguely menacing silences that course through his plays.



He also has a distinguished record writing for the cinema including screenplays for "The Servant," "The Last Tycoon," and "The French Lieutenant's Woman."



Pinter is currently recovering from a major operation and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with throat cancer.



Bureau Report