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Poster for Ariane, an opera in five acts by Jules Massenet to a French libretto by Catulle Mendès after the tale of Ariadne from Greek mythology. First performed at the Palais Garnier in Paris on 31 October 1906, with Lucienne Bréval in the title role, the story is based on the mythology surrounding Theseus and the sisters Ariane and Phèdre. Both sisters are in love with Theseus, yet he chooses Phèdre over Ariane. When Phèdre is killed by the toppled statue of Adonis, Ariane travels to the underworld to beg Perséphone for her sister's resurrection. Softened by Ariane's offering of roses, Perséphone complies and Phèdre returns to earth. Theseus is then made to choose among the sisters again and once more chooses Phèdre, abandoning Ariane on the banks of Naxos. Distraught, she is lured into the sea by the voices of the beckoning sirens.