we made it THRU.
an introduction to this new Substack publication
We’re forever surrounded by constant noise. The media is full of catastophe and headlines that ramp up our climate anxiety. Outside, our world is also plagued by ongoing political and social dysfunction that struggles to take any kind of urgent action. The immense uncertainity is hard to outrun and when we look towards the future, there is endless dystopia.
But here’s the thing - that’s not the whole picture!
That’s enough of the negative narratives.
I’ve been to the future and we made it through.
Our world is also full of incredibly inspiring and determined people who are working together to create a more sustainable, diverse, just and hopeful future. New ways of thinking, making, living and relating are already taking shape.
So, hello,
Welcome to THRU.
What is THRU.?
THRU. is here to share stories, ideas, and creative projects that help us progress through change and reimagine the future in a positive way. It’s about noticing what’s already changing and what’s already happened.
It is inspired by the idea of the thrutopia, a term popularised by Rupert Read. Where a utopia is an idealised vision of a perfect society, and a dystopia depicts a society marked by suffering or oppression, a thrutopia offers a different perspective. Instead, it highlights moving forward through today’s challenges towards a future that’s imperfect but possible.
Who am I?
I’m Kira, a theatre practitioner and researcher, currently working on my PhD.
My research focus is all about finding the ways that arts and creative practices can aid conversations between residents and policy makers, offering new methodologies for sustainable urban planning, rooted in a bottom-up approach. At the moment, I am using scenographic exploration to explore how moving through places can uncover hidden stories and open up new ways of imagining the future. I am currently working with local residents and policy makers from Blackpool through a creative walking practice, encouraging conversations and trips to a positive future.
THRU. grows out of this research and practice. It’s a space to share what I’m learning, the projects that inspire me, and ideas about how we can navigate change with creativity and hope.
When I’m not researching or writing, you can often find me with my head in a book, visiting cultural venues, or simply walking in the countryside.
What can I expect from THRU.?
Insights from my research - including walking interviews, community mapping, and scenographic experiments that uncover hidden stories and possibilities.
Spotlights on inspiring projects and people - artists, activists, and innovators who are already shaping thrutopian futures in their own ways.
Reflections on culture, climate, and place - thoughtful essays and observations that connect everyday experience with bigger ideas.
Creative prompts and experiments - invitations to engage, imagine, and participate in ways that feel grounded and hopeful.
Resources and recommendations - books, podcasts, events, and artworks that expand the conversation and inspire action.
Thanks for reading and joining me on this journey. If you’re curious about creative ways to move through change and imagine futures worth having, then please do subscribe!
I’m keen to keep things as free as possible because I believe things like this should be shared far and wide. That said, a girl got to earn money somehow and whilst I’m doing my PhD, I am unemployed. I try do little freelance things to top up the bank account so any support you can give it greatly appreciated.
If there is anything in particular you want to see, or if you have something you’d like to share, drop me a comment or message!