The Devil upon Two Sticks

*The Devil upon Two Sticks* is a humorous play by Thomas Middleton and Thomas Decker, first performed around 1611. It satirizes the greed and corruption of certain society figures by portraying a theatrical troupe's attempt to produce a performance that ultimately mocks human folly. The title references a theatrical device called a "devil upon two sticks," used to create the illusion of a dancing devil. Overall, the play uses comedy to critique societal vices, emphasizing themes of deception, foolishness, and hypocrisy in early 17th-century England.