Tense situation in play (5)
I believe the answer is:
drama
This clue could be a double definition.
'tense situation' is the first definition.
'drama' can be an answer for 'situation' (I have seen 'Emotional situation' mean 'drama' so perhaps 'situation' could also mean 'drama'). I am not sure about the 'tense' bit.
'play' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for drama that I've seen before include "Emotional sequence of events (made out of a crisis?)" , "Play - excitement" , "Tragic situation" , "theatre show" , "Theatrical piece" .)