Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa: Paradise Gothic

Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa is back in Los Angeles with a new hour called Paradise Gothic, and it lands on a Friday night in one of the city's most characterful small rooms. If you are sorting through things to do in Los Angeles this week, this is a stand-up show for people who like their jokes dry, pointed and a little bit dangerous.

When: Friday, October 16, 2026, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Where: Dynasty Typewriter at The Hayworth, 2511 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Price: Not listed in the source; check with the venue

What to expect

Rajapaksa is a Sri Lankan comedian, writer and director, and Paradise Gothic is built around the strange comedy of trying to build a life inside late-stage capitalism. The material moves through immigration, anarchism, "radical" Buddhism, corporate tech culture and spiritual burnout, all delivered in the trademark deadpan that his fans know well.

The promotional description calls the hour smart, subversive and quietly explosive. That tracks with his earlier work. He has written and directed his own specials, including Monsoon Season (2022), French Kiss Tunnel (2024) and Woodapple Jam (2024), and his low-key style tends to put a room at ease before it lands a harder point about convention or politics.

The listing categorizes the night as theatre, which fits the venue. Dynasty Typewriter keeps an intimate stage, so expect a close view of the performer and a crowd that is there to listen. This is a good pick if you want a thoughtful comedy night rather than a loud one.

Getting there

The Hayworth sits on Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of the city, an easy trip from Koreatown, Westlake and the Mid-Wilshire corridor. Plan for street and garage parking in the area, or take the Metro D Line along Wilshire and walk the last stretch. Arriving 20 to 30 minutes early gives you time to find a seat and grab a drink before the 7:00 PM start.

The venue's own page did not list a price in the source we used, so confirm ticket details with Dynasty Typewriter before you head out. Small-room shows like this can sell out ahead of the night.

Make a night of it

Pair the show with dinner nearby, then see what else is on. Our arts and culture page collects upcoming events Los Angeles audiences are planning around, and it is a handy place to find a second night out if this one fills up.

For the full lineup of theatre, comedy and live performance, browse arts and culture events and the comedy section.