Flipside Opera, Art Song Collective and GroundSwell have partnered to create Bloody Jack, a project they describe as “part art film, part documentary and part musical.” Premiering Nov 19, the film explores the crime-ridden life of John “Bloody Jack” Krafchenko, historic outlaw-turned-wrestler, who immigrated to Manitoba at the turn of the century and was eventually hung for his crimes in 1914.
A new song cycle written by composers Michael Matthews and Dennis Cooley, Bloody Jack is performed by soprano Dawn Bruch-Wiens with by Dr. Laura Loewen on piano. Five songs in the cycle have been captured by director and videographer Aidan Ritchie. A collage of voices from Krafchenko’s life combine with sights and sounds of a raw prairie winter to create a unique, truly Manitoban experience.
A scene from Flipside Opera & The Art Song Collective’s Bloody Jack. Photo: Aidan Ritchie
Dawn Bruch-Wiens describes the project as “a concert, documentary and film wrapped up in one bite-sized performance. Audiences can expect some fabulous 21st century songs illustrating the stark aesthetic of the prairies.”
In Bloody Jack, pieces are interwoven with historical, archival and artistic discussions by historian Kristen Treusch, Matthews and Cooley. The project offers a truly unique, Manitoban story in the post-pandemic cultural landscape.
Flipside is hosting the November premiere, including a panel discussion to follow afterwards featuring the project’s creators. Tickets are available here, and audiences will be able to stream the videos after the premiere on the same site, in a pay-what-you-can format.
Dawn Bruch-Wiens in Flipside Opera & The Art Song Collective’s Bloody Jack. Photo: Aidan Ritchie
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Angela Bell is Opera Canada’s Digital Media Specialist. She has held digital and PR roles with various businesses including the Walt Disney Company, Sullivan Entertainment and Toronto International Film Festival.
