An alternating combination of art and science: the legacy of Eric Broekaert illuminated in the honorary doctorate for Alain Platel

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to search for connections rather than particularisation, for two exceptional figures: Broekaert and Platel, and to explore the intersections between science and art, art and science. Design/methodology/approach In this paper the authors work with a bricolage of possible lines and layers in a complex web of stories associated with the life story, career and private life of Eric Broekaert and of Alain Platel. Findings Broekaert felt the need to look for methods which had been tested in accordance with the models of hard science. In addition, and in alternating combinations, he searched for deeper layers via etymology, history, philosophy and art. Orthopedagogics as a righteous search for a good/happy life. For Platel, the choreographer of Ballets C de la B, accepting the imperfect/unfinished/abnormal brought the world of orthopedagogics and his work with dancers closer together. The “suffering”, the “abnormal” and the fear and aversion to these, the beautiful/poetic in what is different, looking at the abnormal and wanting to be looked at … are all questions which arise and connect orthopedagogics as a science with Platel’s productions. Platel poses the question: in what world do we want to live? Originality/value The authors need Eric Broekaert, Alain Platel and their work as a source of inspiration and as a bridge to new, not yet enough discovered ways of looking at “difference”.