Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 10, 2002
• Invested on: October 24, 2003

Provocative, sometimes disturbing and always captivating, John Murrell is one of Canada's most celebrated playwrights. Since breaking into the Canadian theatre scene in the 1970s with Memoir, he has become an influential force in our culture. Farther West, Waiting for the Parade and New World form a trilogy that continues to engage audiences across the country with stories that explore the complexity of the Canadian identity. He seizes every opportunity to promote new talent, and his work as artistic director of the Banff Centre for the Arts theatre program has inspired and nurtured countless young artists.