Ariadne (writer) facts for kids
Ariadne was the pen name of a "Young Lady" who wrote a play called She Ventures and He Wins. This play was first performed in London way back in 1694 or 1695. We don't know much about who Ariadne really was. However, she was probably a new writer who knew a lot about how plays were made and how the theatre world worked at that time.
Who Was Ariadne?
In the introduction to her play, Ariadne said she wasn't "altogether unacquainted with the Stage." This means she knew a bit about the theatre. In her play's opening speech, she even criticized a rival theatre company. She said they "out of spite / Trump'd up a Play upon us in a Night." This suggests she was involved in the theatre scene in London during the 1600s.
The Play 'She Ventures and He Wins'
Ariadne's play, She Ventures and He Wins, was not very successful. It only ran for two nights before it closed. However, it was an important play for a special reason. It was the first play written by a woman to be performed in London in 20 years! The only exception was the famous writer Aphra Behn, who had passed away six years before Ariadne's play. Ariadne actually praised Aphra Behn in her play's introduction and opening speech. Even though the play didn't do well on stage, it was later published as a book in 1696.
Who Was Ariadne Really?
Many experts and researchers have wondered who Ariadne really was. Some people think that Ariadne might have been another writer named Mary Pix. However, there isn't much proof to support this idea. Another person believes that Ariadne also wrote a play called Love's Reward: or, the Unnatural Mother. But for now, Ariadne's true identity remains a mystery!
