In 1914, the crime-ridden life of “Bloody” Jack Krafchenko culminated in his death by hanging at Winnipeg’s Vaughan Street Jail. The charismatic, remorseless Krafchenko led an eventful life of bank robberies, escapes, and running from the law. This fascinating character of Manitoba history is explored in Michael Matthews & Dennis Cooley’s new song cycle Bloody Jack, presented by Flipside Opera & Art Song Collective in partnership with Groundswell.
Soprano Dawn Bruch-Wiens and pianist Dr. Laura Loewen will present five songs of the cycle in a world premiere performance captured by director and videographer Aidan Ritchie. The songs will be interwoven with historical, archival and artistic discussions with historian Kristen Treusch, composer Matthews, and poet Cooley. A collage of voices from Krafchenko’s life combine with the sights and sounds of a raw prairie winter to create a sound experience like no other.
Part art film, part documentary, and part musical premiere, this project is a unique and truly Manitoban offering in the post-pandemic cultural landscape.
Flipside is hosting a world premiere screening with a panel discussion featuring the film’s creators on Friday, November 19th, 2021. Limited tickets are available now at the Flipside website. Following the premiere, audiences can stream the video via the Flipside website, in pay-what-you-can format.
Flipside is grateful for the generous support of the Manitoba Arts Council.
