It takes place in and around August, and tends to showcase new and experimental works alongside radical productions of classic opera, using both the Arcola's performing stages.
The "grime" element refers to the "dirtier" backdrop of the Arcola Theatre, a converted textile factory in the congested bustle of Hackney as opposed to the scenic gardens of East Sussex.
Originally, Grimeborn was devised as a contemporary contribution to the Battersea Arts Centre's (BAC) Opera Festival.
The BAC Opera Festival's Artistic Director at the time, Tom Morris, asked Ergen, who was working at the BAC as an Associate Producer, to create something different from normal operatic preconceptions in a manner similar to Tête à Tête, who were also taking the stage at the BAC Opera Festival that year.
List not complete: awaiting further additions List not complete: awaiting further additions List not complete: awaiting further additions List not complete: awaiting further additions Curated by Mehmet Ergen and produced by Leyla Nazli (21 August - 8 September) Curated by Andrew Steggall and produced by Leyla Nazli (9 August – 21 September)[1] Curated by Alex Sutton and produced by Leyla Nazli (24 August – 5 September)[2] Curated by Daniele Guerra and produced by Michael Harris and Leyla Nazli (4–23 August)[3] Curated by Andrew Steggall and produced by Michael Harris and Leyla Nazli (19 August- 2 September)[4]