Puppets and painting among events to mark 50 years of Singapore-Australia ties

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Permanent Secretary Yeoh Chee Yan and Australian Attorney-General’s Department Secretary Chris Moraitis unveiling the “50 Bridges” project’s logo on April 17, 2015. Australian Foreign Ministe
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Permanent Secretary Yeoh Chee Yan and Australian Attorney-General’s Department Secretary Chris Moraitis unveiling the “50 Bridges” project’s logo on April 17, 2015. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Singapore's Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong launched "50 Bridges" on Wednesday, May 20, a series of events to celebrate 50 years of Singapore's independence, and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. -- PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
Wall murals at Bras Basah, which are part of the 50 Bridges programme, Australia's contribution to Singapore's 50th birthday. -- PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION SINGAPORE
(From left) Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong posing with a giant eyeball puppet. The puppet will be part of a series of performances and events called 50 Bridges, Australia's contribution to Singapore's 50th birthday. -- PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE - Do not be surprised if you see a giant eyeball puppet walking down the street near your home this week.

As part of Australia's SG50 gift to Singapore, two Aussie theatre companies will put on puppet performances in the heartlands.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Singapore's Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong launched "50 Bridges" on Wednesday, a series of events to celebrate 50 years of Singapore's independence, and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The programme comprises three elements aimed at Singapore's heartlands. In 50 Walls, street artists from Down Under will paint murals on walls in hawker centres, HDB blocks and schools.

Another element, "50 performances", will showcase puppets of various body parts and a short animation. And on a yet-to-be-announced day in June, 10,000 steaks will be cooked and given away to locals at 50 barbecue pits throughout Singapore for "50 BBQs".

Australia is the first country that Singapore forged diplomatic ties with after its independence in 1965.

Ms Bishop said the programme "reflects the modern, contemporary dynamic relationship" between the two countries.

More information can be found at the website sg50oz.sg.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.