Bloody Jack

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 present five songs of the cycle in a world premiere performance captured by director and videographer Aidan Ritchie. The songs are 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.​

Please visit our Bios page to learn more about the creative forces behind this project.​

Streaming is available in a pay-what-you-can format from November 20-December 20, 2021. The in-person premiere screening with a panel discussion featuring the creative team was on November 19, 2021.

We acknowledge that these stories have been collected, sourced, and recreated on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis. We acknowledge the harms of colonization and early settlers on the Indigenous population of the land of so-called Manitoba, and are committed to acts of reconciliation and cooperation. 

We are grateful for the financial assistance provided by the Manitoba Arts Council.