PEN Pinter Prize 2017

Join English PEN for a special event in honour of the incredible work of poet Michael Longley as he is awarded the PEN Pinter Prize 2017. Now in its ninth year, the prize was established in memory of Nobel Laureate playwright Harold Pinter and is presented annually to a writer who, in the words of Pinter, casts an ‘unflinching, unswerving gaze upon the world’ and shows a ‘fierce intellectual determination…to define the real truth of our lives and our societies.’

The evening will be a celebration of Michael Longley’s work, with readings and an encomium by Professor Eamon Duffy. We’re excited that, once again, the prize will be shared with an International Writer of Courage: a writer who is active in defence of freedom of expression, often at great risk to their own safety and liberty. Selected by Michael Longley from a shortlist of international cases supported by English PEN, the co-winner will be announced on the night. Audience members will also hear a special address delivered by Michael Longley, which will be available on the night in a limited edition booklet published by Faber & Faber.

Michael Longley was selected to receive the PEN Pinter Prize 2017 by this year’s judges Tom Gatti, Don Paterson, Polly Stenham, Antonia Fraser and President of English PEN and Chair of Judges, Maureen Freely.