What would happen if Jesus lived today in Southwest Detroit? -- or any other U.S. inner city?

That is the question the students of Ste. Anne's Youth Group set out to answer in Jesus in the Hood. Although the setting is Detroit, it could be the inner city of Anywhere, USA. It's the story of Joseph and Maria who, after seeking shelter in neighborhood motels and even the YMCA, found there was "no room at the Y." They were forced to see their son born beneath the Ambassador Bridge.

How did this modern-day version of the Gospel come about? The teenagers of Ste. Anne's Youth Group had attended a performance of another play, Beyond Violence, and decided they could write one themselves. On their own initiative, they began to put together this production. With the help of a volunteer, Annick Carthew, several suburban churches began to partner with Ste. Anne's and helped raise funds, thus connecting the suburbs with inner city life in Southwest Detroit. The play is described as "hip, funny, contemporary, yet profoundly religious and respectful" -- the Gospel as translated by today's inner city youth. It portrays the message of finding Christ in everyone, even the poor, even gang kids.

Jesus in the Hood will be one of the arts offerings at this year's CTA conference in Detroit. It will be presented twice on Saturday, Nov. 16th at 11:45 AM and 8:00 PM. The group performing is a mix of young people from the original group as well as some newcomers, organized as the Matrix Theatre Company.

Dr. Shaun Nethercott who, along with her husband, Wes, directs Matrix, reports that it is becoming easier to recruit now that the reputation of the group has spread. Funding comes from the Detroit city government, businesses, corporations and community organizations. Local libraries, schools and churches also donate space, copying supplies and other in-kind resources. Billed as a small miracle, "it will lift your spirits," say the Nethercotts. It is the Gospel message depicted in a way that gives new hope for the troubled youth of modern urban America.

Contact Matrix Theatre Company at (313) 842-0856.