Yannis Kakleas is a Greek theatre director. He was born in Depo, Thessaloniki. He studied acting at the Zisis Haratsaris Drama School, at the Karolos Koun Art Theatre Drama School and did postgraduate studies in acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts, in London. He is a graduate of the Drama Centre of London's Theatre Directing School. Among others, he served as artistic director of the "Technochoros" theatre from 1981 to 2003 and of the Municipal Regional Theatre of Kalamata, from 1989 to 1991 and from 2003 to 2006. He has taught acting and directing. He has collaborated with the Athens-Epidaurus Festival, the National Theatre as well as the major urban theatres of the city center, directing more than 120 theatrical performances.