The seminal text, originally a novel by Tim Winton and adapted for the stage by Nick Enright and Justin Monjo, has proved enduringly popular.

It portrays the lives of two working-class Australian families throughout their lives, from 1943 to 1963.

Its latest iteration will be the final theatre performance for graduating University of Tasmania Bachelor of Contemporary Arts students.

Melanie Beddie, who has travelled from Melbourne to direct the play, said she selected the text because of its wholly Australian character.

"There's nothing wrong with imported work, but I think to be investigating your own voice - literally, in terms of the Australian accent - but also to be exploring your own heritage, your own background, to get an understanding of what life was like - can be more valuable than always looking overseas for inspiration," she said.

The play follows two families who are thrown together when circumstances cause them to both begin residing in the same house.

"It's really a play about resilience, I think," she said.

"About people going through terrible experiences, and somehow managing to bounce back and find a way through.

"It's quite funny at times, and quite moving at times."