 Opening in late June, 1661, Davenant's theatre would steal much of Vere Street's thunder.Before then, though, Killigrew would generate some more excitement of his own, by being the first to stage plays with actresses, instead of actors, playing female roles.The first occasion, based on its newly-written prologue, is thought to have been a performance of "Othello" on 8 December 1660; authorities differ as to the name of the actress who played Desdemona.