Exhibits & Events

Get ready to laugh, cry, and contemplate the complexities of life as Paper Doll Ensemble presents Iris’ “I’M OKAY” Tea Party, an absurdist tragicomedy that promises an unforgettable theatrical experience. Created and performed by Grayce Carson, co-founder of Paper Dolls, this unique (interactive) performance invites you to a tea party like no other, where the challenges of chronic illness take center stage with humor and heart.

Iris’ “I’M OKAY” Tea Party is a deeply personal yet universally relatable production that draws from Grayce Carson's own journey with chronic illness. As the host of her annual tea party, Iris is determined to prove to everyone—and perhaps herself—that she is, indeed, still alive and kicking. Despite the relentless flare-ups, obstacles, and musical performance interruptions by her own organs, this tea party will happen, come what may."

Iris may need you to mask up and sanitize at the door," says Carson, "but it's only because her body wasn't actually built to survive the outside world, and she needs a little bit of help. That’s not too much to ask, right?"Through Iris’ comedic resilience and poignant vulnerability, Carson invites audiences to explore themes of survival, identity, and the human spirit’s ability to persevere despite the odds.

This production is more than a play; it's an invitation to connect with the unseen struggles many face daily. Whether you have a chronic illness or not, Iris’ “I’M OKAY” Tea Party offers insight, laughter, and a chance to be part of a community that values authenticity and compassion. Don’t miss the chance to join Iris and her guests at this one-of-a-kind tea party and evening of laughter, reflection, and shared humanity.