David has been involved in six world premiere performances of a play, Shinda The Magic Ape, An Experienced Woman Gives Advice, The General From America, The Herbal Bed, Push Up and Pillowman. It is great for an actor to get to put their stamp on a character before anyone else. In addition to the rush of being the first person to portray that character usually when subsequent performances of that play take place their name will be mentioned!
The original performance date and cast is included in the printed copy of the play as well, like this sample from The Herbal Bed by Peter Whelan.