Showquest 2025

Congratulations to the 88 students who performed on Wednesday last week at the annual Showquest held at the Aotea Centre.  Showquest is Aotearoa's biggest performing arts competition for schools. Student groups are challenged to create a performance centred around a theme or story that combines Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Culture and Technology. 

Somerville created a performance called “Boxed In”.  This theme was all about how we can sometimes ‘box ourselves in’ and not take risks, try new things or meet new people, because we think we aren’t good enough, or worthy enough. Our performance encourages people to be brave and come out of their ‘box’. 

This theme is best expressed in the spoken word piece from the performance, very confidently delivered by talented Showquest member Hana Al-A’Raji from Room 18.

"Boxed In"
 We are 11, maybe 13,
already taping labels to our skin —
“I’m shy,” “I’m not smart,”
“I don’t fit in.”
Building boxes from fears,
duct-taped from whispers of
should be’s and can’t be’s.
We fold ourselves small,
safe from the world —
Truth is...
those boxes?
Just cardboard lies!
We are not our fear.
We are not small.
Tear the tape.
Kick out the walls!
And don’t you dare listen to
when your mind says
you don’t belong.

The Showquest team are very proud of their performance.  It is the result of many Friday lunchtimes, multiple Sunday morning rehearsals and a lot of practice and commitment. Despite some very stiff competition, Somerville came away with two recognition awards in the intermediate division, one for art and one for drama. 

Somerville also won the ‘School Spirit Award’.  This award is for the school that best embodies great teamwork, attitudes, and Showquest values on event day. To be chosen for this award from 12 schools, including 5 high schools, is a very impressive achievement and reinforces just how amazing our students are.