David was born more than 16 million minutes ago. Since then, he has been asking questions and searching everywhere for answers. In his performance If I were you David takes the audience on a philosophical journey of discovery through his own life. He looks back at the choices that have shaped him into who he is now and asks himself: could he have chosen differently? Because David can do whatever he wants, but could he have wanted to do something different? And does he really know what he wants?
Questions demand answers, and answers demand words. David seeks the meaning of life with sentences full of meaningful nonsense. He believes that you cannot find answers without words. Without words, you only find ‘ant’ — and that is of no use to you.
About David
David van Rosmalen has a background in psychology and philosophy and worked for many years as a behavioral consultant within sustainability transitions. The combination of analytical rigor and a social interest forms the basis of his work on stage. In his texts and music, he explores how people think, choose, and hesitate, often with a mixture of humor, reflection, and playful language.
When David decided to bring his lyrics and music to the stage, he felt like a fish in increasingly warmer waters: a combination of coming home and healthy fear of death.
In 2025, David won the student, audience, and jury prize at the Leids Cabaret Festival. With this, he established himself in one fell swoop as a striking new voice within the cabaret scene.
In the press
“David van Rosmalen played the Leidse Schouwburg to a tee with an intelligent mix of (word)jokes, spoken word, piano songs and nederhiphop.” — De Volkskrant
“Promising individuality in his arrogant sarcasm and masterful wordcraft.” — Jury report of the Leiden Cabaret Festival
David was brought up by De Volkskrant named Comedy Talent of 2026.
Website: davidvanrosmalen.nl
