A Peleskei Notárius: Bohózat Három Szakaszban Négy Felvonással

''A peleskei notárius: Bohózat három szakaszban négy felvonással'' by József Gaal is a comedic play written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the character István Zajtay, the notary of Nagy-Peleske, as he navigates through various comic situations involving superstition, characters like Tóti Dorka the witch, and the absurdity of local customs and governance. The play dives into themes of societal norms and the tension between reason and superstition, set against the backdrop of Hungarian culture. The opening of the play introduces us to a spirited community about to execute a witch, Tóti Dorka, amidst a fierce public debate led by the local notary and a group of villagers. Zajtay, the notary, argues against the existence of witches and the mob's eagerness for retribution, displaying a mix of rationality and comic cowardice. As the story unfolds, Dorka tries to manipulate the situation for her benefit, leading to an amusing confrontation that lays the groundwork for the ensuing chaos. The atmosphere is lively and comedic, setting the stage for a reflection on human nature and societal beliefs.