Ella Al-Shamahi: Becoming Human
23 May @ 7.30pm
About Ella Al-Shamahi: Becoming Human
This is the story of Homo sapiens… us.
Host of BBC landmark show Human, Ella Al-Shamahi, palaeoanthropologist, TV presenter, explorer and stand up, presents a talk on our remarkable origin story.
Once upon a time, we shared this planet with many species of humans – it has been said that our world was a bit like The Lord of the Rings. To start with, we Homo sapiens weren’t that remarkable; our origins were, in fact, rather humble and yet somehow today we are the only ones left.
But we didn’t just survive against all odds, we thrived, innovated and travelled like no other species of human – becoming the explorer species who built cities, iPhones and painted the Sistine Chapel. Our success was profound, but how on Earth did it happen and at what cost?
Ella Al-Shamahi started studying evolution as a creationist and so she interweaves her own story, demonstrating the power of tribalism not just in the past, but also in the present. Expect a talk that draws on the latest discoveries, heart, humour and wild expedition stories.
Al-Shamahi is a National Geographic Explorer specialising in searching for fossils in Palaeolithic caves in politically unstable, hostile and disputed territories. She is the presenter of HUMAN, a flagship BBC/PBS science series, as well as other TV and radio shows. She is also the author of a Times/Sunday Times book of the year, ‘The Handshake: A Gripping History.’
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
£22.00
Dates & times:
Saturday 23 May 2026 at 7.30pm
Age guidance:
14+
About The North Wall Arts Centre
The North Wall Arts Centre is an an award-winning theatre, gallery and performing arts centre located in Summertown, North Oxford. The facility was opened in 2007, and offers a fully flexible 200-seat theatre, a public art gallery, as well as studios for dance and drama.
The centre is owned by St Edward’s School and shared with the city, and it was created for the benefit of emerging artists across a range of disciplines. The programme of events at The North Wall places emphasis on new and innovative work.
Discover more about The North Wall Arts Centre, including travel, access and venue information.
