Actor David Viviers launched his debut novel, Mirage, to a packed Book Lounge on Wednesday March 2.
Mr Viviers has performed in several stage, TV and film productions, including the Black Sails series. In 2014, he received the Standard Bank Ovation Award for his performance in Salt at the National Arts Festival. He was also a recipient, in 2016, of a Kanna Award for “best debut work” and the Brett Goldin Bursary.
In conversation with his UCT creative writing mentor and 2021 Booker Prize winner for The Promise, Damon Galgut, Mr Viviers said his book was inspired by Olive Schreiner and her life.
Set in the Karoo, the story moves between 19th century diarist Elizabeth and present-day university student Michael, who is living in Hatfield Street with a cat.
Metaphysics, mystery, rocks, stars, flowers, Karoo landscape and death are prominent themes, according to the author who admits to a fascination with black holes since childhood.
