Arts graduate about to join little woman in play (7)
I believe the answer is:
macbeth
'play' is the definition.
(Shakespeare play)
'arts graduate about to join little woman' is the wordplay.
'arts graduate' becomes 'MA' (Master of Arts).
'about' becomes 'c' (abbreviation for 'circa').
'to join' says to put letters next to each other.
'little woman' becomes 'beth' (I've seen this in another clue).
'ma'+'c'+'beth'='MACBETH'
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for macbeth that I've seen before include "In sleep murderer" , "its name must not be mentioned" , "Shakespearean play" , "Shakespearean tragedy" , "Thane of 6" .)