When people’s idea of “circus” begins and ends with Cirque du Soleil; when circus skills are seen merely as stunt work for film and television, juggling at amusement parks, or a street performer keeping seven balls in the air; and when talented performers of an earlier generation leave the profession early to work in fast-food restaurants, Lin Chih-Wei refuses to accept it. “Why can’t we be the ones in the spotlight? Why can’t we transform our skills into contemporary circus?” Lin founded FOCASA in 2011. Since then, the company has achieved a series of firsts and helped establish contemporary circus in Taiwan. “I founded a circus company to make the change I wanted to see happen.” His courage has also drawn the support of influential figures in the arts, including Cloud Gate Dance Theatre founder Lin Hwai-min.