TV REVIEW : A Rerun of Research, Theory Presented in KCET’s ‘Dreams: Theater of the Night’

KCET’s “California Stories” is a curious series. Its 30-minute programs on everything under the sun and not just the California sun--are almost always very well done, but frequently seem like mere briefings. When the briefing concerns something that other programs seldom or never cover--such as performance art--the result can be particularly valuable. However, when the topic has been surveyed more thoroughly, Channel 28’s abbreviated approach can seem redundant.

Such is the case with tonight’s entry, “Dreams: Theater of the Night” (at 7:30 p.m.). Written and produced by the show’s host, Roger Bingham, it’s a nothing-much-new review of dream theory and research. We’re taken quickly past dream psychology, sleep labs, REM periods, various speculations and findings.

Dreaming is of interest to almost everyone and the presentation here is solid and lively, but it’s all a little like one of those recurrent dreams that the program touches upon. The subject has better covered by PBS shows such as “Nova,” and indeed sections of the film--especially those showing patients with REM disorders and a model of brain neurons--seem terribly familiar, as does much of the descriptive terminology (sleep provides “your own private theater”) and semi-relevant quotes (Shakespeare’s “such stuff as dreams are made on”).

Nevertheless, it’s a pleasant, informative way to spend a half-hour for anyone who’s missed more complete examinations of this ever-fascinating subject.