Of all Tim Winton’s novels, Cloudstreet is the one that has become most deeply embedded in Australian culture since it was published in 1991. The story of two families living in one big old Perth house between the wars, its flawed characters, tragedy and triumph resonate with many of us. Perhaps its the unmistakable Australianness, including the old-fashioned vernacular and the ancient, otherworldly force that emanates from the land, and especially from the Swan River gliding through it. It’s a force these white families can barely grasp.

Guy Simon, Benjamin Oakes, Alison Whyte, Ebony McGuire, Arielle Gray and Mikayla Merks. Photograph © Pia Johnson

As well as becoming a television mini-series, Cloudstreet was adapted for the stage 20 years ago by Nick Enright and Justin Monjo, whose screenplay has been tweaked for this revival season. Five hours long, including intervals, it’s being presented as an epic single day or night journey of Wagnerian proportions, and also in two parts over consecutive days (which was how I experienced Cloudstreet).

Credit to the director, Malthouse Theatre’s Artistic Director Matthew Lutton, who has wrestled this sprawling, elusive work like few could. He keeps the pace tight –...