Ella Al-Shamahi Explores Human Migration at Brighton Show

Brighton, September 29, 2025

News Summary

Ella Al-Shamahi delivered a compelling live performance at Komedia in Brighton, examining the historical migration of Homo sapiens and its significant impact on modern society. Drawing from her personal journey, Al-Shamahi intertwined narrative and science, exploring humanity’s evolutionary past and tribalism’s role in contemporary life. Her show highlighted key moments in human history, including the early migrations from Africa, along with insights into Neanderthals and Denisovans. Al-Shamahi’s new BBC series ‘Human’ further explores these themes, reaffirming the need for inclusivity in scientific discourse.

Brighton

Ella Al-Shamahi captivated audiences during her recent live show at Komedia, where she explored humanity’s profound stories, particularly focusing on the global migration of Homo sapiens. The show is part of Al-Shamahi’s ongoing research and discussions about human evolution and the impact of tribalism on contemporary society.

Raised in a devout Muslim Yemeni family in Birmingham, Al-Shamahi’s journey into the field of human sciences was initially motivated by a desire to disprove evolution and young-earth ideology. However, an emotional realization came when her studies led her to a conflict between her newfound beliefs and those held by her family. This personal struggle set the stage for the rich narrative woven throughout her live performance.

The first segment of her show highlighted a pivotal moment in human history—the migration of the first Homo sapiens group from Africa around 60,000 years ago. This group, consisting of 2,000 to 10,000 early humans, was responsible for the worldwide spread of the modern human population. Al-Shamahi presented a particularly engaging segment that included an interpretation of Neanderthal cave art, showcasing her own handprint taken within a relevant cave, and discussed the various theories about its significance.

In addition to Neanderthals, Al-Shamahi introduced the audience to other archaic human species, including the Denisovans. She explained how this species interbred with modern humans, resulting in traits that have been notably beneficial for Tibetans. Furthermore, she highlighted that many modern humans still carry Neanderthal DNA, suggesting that some of our ancestors were hybrids of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

Al-Shamahi also shared insights from her work on a project about ‘Ned’, a disabled Neanderthal found in modern-day Iraq, a project she collaborated on with actor Andy Serkis. This representation illustrated that even among early human communities, compassion and support were vital components of daily life.

The show not only detailed migration and evolutionary history but also examined the modern implications of tribalism and community. Al-Shamahi noted the biological tendencies that drive humans toward tribal behaviors and the challenges these tendencies pose in contemporary society. She drew parallels between her personal experience of leaving her religious “tribe” and the broader trend of diminishing tight-knit communities in today’s world.

Al-Shamahi argued that compared to other human species, larger communities of Homo sapiens facilitated survival, allowing for specialization and cultural advancements that set the foundation for the modern era. The performance concluded with a poignant call for more humanity in how we engage with those holding opposing ideological views. She stressed the importance of kindness and understanding in modern discourse while likening present-day behavior to that of “cave people with Instagram.”

Moreover, Al-Shamahi underscored the necessity of valuing diverse beliefs and viewpoints within scientific discourse, calling for inclusivity within the scientific community. She expressed concern for politically diverse scientists who often feel pressured to suppress their views in the face of prevailing narratives.

To further extend her exploration of human evolution and our survival against adversities faced by other early humans, Al-Shamahi announced that her new BBC series, titled “Human,” began airing on July 14, 2025.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• The Times: Where Are the Right-Wing Scientists?
• Wikipedia: Homo sapiens
• Live Science: What If the Berlin Wall Didn’t Fall?
• Google Search: Homo sapiens migration
• Live Science: How Elephant Matriarchs Guide Society
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tribalism

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.