Una Cosa Rara, Drama Theatre, APA, November 17 Atwo-act opera, Una Cosa Rara ('A Strange Thing') is by Spanish composer Martin y Soler to a libretto by Mozart's accomplished collaborator, Lorenzo de Ponte. This so-called dramma giocoso premiered in Vienna on November 17, 1786 - 211 years ago to the day - where it was rapturously received.
Since then the work has fallen out of the repertory, and the Academy for Performing Arts is to be congratulated for bringing this delightful work back to the stage.
It was odd, however, that so little information was provided in the programme about this unfamiliar work.
The plot is a rich zarzuela of love, jealousy, desire, intrigue and suspicion served in neatly symmetrical arrangements, emphasising the period's fascination with order and balance. These 18th-century qualities were richly enhanced by splendid costumes, two-dimensional painted sets, and the participation of 10 students of the APA's School of Dance.
Despite its Spanish title, the text is Italian, though the decision to render most recitatives in English was a sensible one. Understanding was further lubricated by subtitles in English and Chinese.
Although the singing was always of a high standard, several moments deserve to be singled out. The trio at the end of Act I saw the lovely voices of Yuki Ip Po-ching (Queen Isabella), Belinda Liew Peng-yim (Ghita) and Maria Rachelle Gerodias (Lilla) arguing, praying in supplication and finally reconciling with a wonderful sense of ensemble.
