The play 'West Gate' is a theatrical adaptation exploring the catastrophic collapse of Melbourne's West Gate Bridge on October 15, 1970, which resulted in the deaths of 35 individuals, marking it as Australia's worst industrial accident. Playwright Dennis McIntosh, who was deeply impacted by the event as a child, utilizes a two-act structure that climaxes in the middle with the catastrophic event, a creative decision that emphasizes the tragedy over the bureaucratic complexities associated with its aftermath.

McIntosh's aim is to uncover the poignant human experiences intertwined with the disaster, providing a stark contrast to the often dry language found in legal reports and royal commissions that followed the incident. The structure of the play not only reflects the actual failure of the bridge sections but also mirrors the emotional and societal impact the catastrophe had on the city of Melbourne, a city that, despite its significant historical consequences, has largely relegated the event to the background of its collective memory.

By revisiting this dark chapter of local history, 'West Gate' serves as both a reminder of the human cost of industrial negligence and a call for reflection on how such events shape a community's narrative. It challenges the audience to remember and confront their collective past, making it relevant in conversations around workplace safety and historical memory today.