Society Spotlight: The Dornish Red

It’s 5 o’clock on a Friday in the Wilson Common Room of the New Academic Building. About a dozen people are lounging on couches that surround two wooden tables. These tables are covered with an assortment of blue and peppercorn cheeses, accompanied by two large baguettes. A box of Shiraz rests nearby. It’s an assembly worthy of the Haliburton Society. But no one is here to discuss classic poetry.
As they would say, they’re here to watch Game of F—ing Thrones.
The Dornish Red Society, founded by Kevin Brown in March 2013, is dedicated to bringing together fans of the HBO television series for an hour of wine, cheese and discussions about program. Afterwards they head to Alumni Hall for a viewing of an episode.
The atmosphere is relaxed and jovial. The returning members discuss course schedules, philosophy and their favourite episodes while new members quietly sit around, occasionally talking about the current FYP texts.
Some are here out of curiosity while most love the free food, wine and watching one of the most popular shows on television.
“The incest and soft-core boobs,” second-year student Mike Tucker says, joking about what originally attracted him to the show.
After eating and drinking for an hour, the group migrates to Alumni Hall for the viewing. The doors are unlocked by patrol and everyone spreads out in the room, sitting on tables as the episode begins.
As soon as the iconic theme song starts, everyone begin to slam the tables rhythmically with their hands. They sing along as well, mimicking the instrumental parts.
As the episode plays, everyone continues to talk. They discuss differences between the book and the show, they point out recognizable actors and they shout at the screen whenever a major plot twist occurs.
Watching an episode at Dornish Red feels more like a community event than a simple viewing.