A bit of whisky, say, before a play (5)

I believe the answer is:

drama

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'a play' is the definition.
(I know that play can be written as drama)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for drama that I've seen before include "Play; exciting situation" , "Stage production" , "theatre performance" , "Play (as a genre)" , "Theatrical entertainment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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