A Night at the Guthrie: How The Nacirema Society Reignited Jack Rice’s Passion for Justice
Last weekend, Jack Rice, founder of Jack Rice Defense, sat in the Wurtele Thrust Stage at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, thrilled by a performance that would unexpectedly remind him why he fights so fiercely in courtrooms across Minnesota. The play was The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years, a sharp, funny, and poignant production that, while set in 1964 Montgomery, Alabama, carries powerful reflections on privilege, prejudice, and the pursuit of dignity that resonate even today. If you are facing charges, reach out for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
For Jack, a seasoned criminal defense attorney based in St. Paul, the evening was more than just an opportunity to enjoy world-class theater. It was a moment of important and significant reflection in a world that frequently misses it. Watching the characters navigate the heavy expectations of family, community, and history, he was reminded of the layered struggles that so many of his clients face — battles not just with the legal system, but with deeply entrenched societal norms that control their, and our, lives more than we might like to admit.
"The Nacirema Society is hilarious and sometimes edgy," Jack said afterward. "But underneath the humor, it takes a quiet look at systemic injustice, and the true impact of people over generations. That’s exactly what I see every day when I step into a courtroom."
At Jack Rice Defense, understanding a client’s full story is central to the work. It's not just about what happened on a particular day, but about everything that led up to it — the silent, often invisible factors that influence people's choices and futures. Seeing The Nacirema Society reminded Jack why empathy, storytelling, and context are powerful tools in the fight for justice.
In a world where narratives are often simplified and people's lives reduced to case numbers, Jack was re-inspired by the reminder that every client carries a legacy, a history, and a struggle that deserves to be fully heard and fiercely defended.
As Jack reflected, "Art like this reminds me that the fight for justice isn’t just about laws and verdicts. It’s about humanity. In fact, it is always about humanity. You just have to get prosecutors, judges and juries to understand that. It’s about making sure every person’s story is told in all of its messy, complicated, beautiful truth."
If you are facing criminal charges in the Twin Cities, don’t wait. Contact Jack Rice Defense today for a free, confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
Jack Rice Defense is here to listen, to fight, and to stand by you — every step of the way.
Contact Information:
Jack Rice Defense, LLC
Phone: 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339
Website: www.JackRiceDefense.com
Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the entire Twin Cities metro area.